Role of three rodents in forest nitrogen fixation in western Oregon: another aspect of mammal-mycorrhizal fungus-tree mutualism

Authors

C. Y. Li, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Corvallis, Oregon
Chris Maser, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Corvallis, Oregon
Zane Maser, Oregon State University, Corvallis
Bruce A. Caldwell, Oregon State University, Corvallis

Abstract

To determine the role of the California red-backed vole (Clethrionomys califonicus), the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), and the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) in the nitrogen cycle of forest stands in western Oregon, bacterial colonies were isolated and purified from feces, and their nitrogen-fixing ability measured by acetylene-reduction assay. The ability of the bacterial species Azospirillum sp. to withstand freezing was also tested. Fecal extracts were used to test whether fecal pellets can provide the nutrients necessary for growth of the bacteria. All the feces tested contained viable nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and both species can survive drying and one can survive freezing. Azospirillum colonies grew well on liquid medium but required yeast extract for growth and nitrogenase activity. Fecal extracts from flying squirrels and chickarees (Tamiasciurus douglasi) were as effective as the yeast. The results suggest another link in the chain of mutualism that unites small mammals, mycorrhizal fungi, and forest trees.

Recommended Citation

Li, C. Y.; Maser, Chris; Maser, Zane; and Caldwell, Bruce A. (1986) "Role of three rodents in forest nitrogen fixation in western Oregon: another aspect of mammal-mycorrhizal fungus-tree mutualism," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 46: No. 3, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol46/iss3/4