Tamlyn Gangiah

I am a PhD student in the Soil Biology research group. My research focuses on the nitrogen cycling related traits of fungi in Sweden's boreal forest ecosystems, using metatranscriptomic markers. Through integrated molecular biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics methods, I investigate how fungal communities contribute to nitrogen cycling in these nutrient-limited environments.

We established a long-term experiment in a low-productivity pine forest in northern Sweden to examine the effects of tree retention on fungal communities and nutrient cycling. After twelve years, we revisited plots with four harvest intensities: complete clear-cutting (0% retention), moderate retention (30% and 60% evenly distributed trees), and unlogged controls (100% retention).

Our analysis focuses on fungal community composition, soil nutrient stocks, and the expression of key extracellular enzymes (proteases and chitinases) involved in nutrient acquisition. We are examining how resource partitioning varies across retention gradients. 

We also investigate the long-term impacts of clearcutting on fungal diversity and composition.The study includes three forest types representing distinct management trajectories: secondary forests established after historical clear-cutting (~60 years ago), continuous-cover forests managed through selective logging, and old-growth forests with no harvesting history. This approach allows us to assess legacy impacts of past management decisions.

This research provides critical insights into how forestry practices influence fungal community structure and biogeochemical processes, informing sustainable management strategies for boreal forest ecosystems.

Carbon and Nitrogen cycling practical - Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles - MSc course BI1322 (15 credits)

Soil Biology practical (markbiologi) - Soil sciences (Markvetenskap) - BSc course MV0219 (15 credits)

DNA Practical - Molecular and Microbial Ecology  - BSc course - BI1438 

Master of Science in Medicine, specialising in Bioinformatics, from University of Cape Town, South Africa. 2022

Bachelor of Science in Genetics (Honours), from University of Pretoria, South Africa. 2018

Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Biochemistry, from University of Cape Town, South Africa. 2017

Emelie Gidlöf (Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles literature project)

Tobias Rützert (60 credit Master thesis)