To identify and quantify soil N species over a full growth season, small volumes of soil were removed from each sampling site 5 times during the field season and extracted in the laboratory. Bare soil at higher elevations, namely Observation Bluff, Factory Bluffs, Jane Col and lower parts of Spindrift Col; Soils from below mosses on the Backslope and on Moss Braes. Soils from below higher plant species at Bernsten Point, Factory Bluffs, Moss Braes and North Point. Orthinogenic soils from around penguin colonies at Gourlay Peninsula, Spindrift Rocks and North Point and disturbed soil from around Signy Base were collected. At the same time, soil pore water was extracted using Rhizon soil water samplers.

DON (Dissolved organic Nitrogen) and Microbial biomass measurements were made by standard CHCl3 fumigation-extraction techniques. Turnover of DON in the soil was determined by the addition of 14C-labelled plant protein (purified from 14C-labelled algal cells) or 14C-labelled glucose to the soil at a range of concentrations, and their turnover (soil label depletion in combination with NH4 +, NO3-and 14CO2 production) was determined. Gross rates of N mineralization and nitrification were determined using 15N isotope dilution methodology. Laboratory analysis of N speciation and quantification, 14C uptake and respiration, 13C PLFA signatures and 15N analysis was done. Amino acid turnover times have been determined using 14C labelled amino acids. For the final stage of the project a mathematical model to describe plant-soil-microbial N fluxes in Antarctic soils was constructed.