How does microbial demand for limiting resources regulate the decomposition of soil organic matter?

This thesis aims to determine how microbial demands for limiting resources affect cycling of C, N and P in the terrestrial system. Understanding the balance in growth rates, mineralisation rates, and nutrients use efficiency between the two decomposer groups, namely bacteria and fungi, will elucidate their contribution to global elements cycling. The obtained knowledge will add to better understanding of the microbial processes. Further, the results can be incorporated into ecosystem models to improve their accuracy in describing ecosystem responses to global change.