Soil Biota & Nutrient Cycling

Soil services are highly dependent on the work carried out by microorganisms, such as the turnover and supply of nutrients to plants. In agroecosystems, microbial functioning responds to management practices that impact soil through physical (e.g., tillage) and chemical disturbance (e.g., fertilizer input), in addition to the vast combination of climate and cropping systems (e.g., perennial vs. annual, monoculture vs. polyculture). In this framework, we focus on understanding the links between microbial diversity and functioning, system management, and soil structure so as to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

Conceptual diagram representing the interactions between the microbial community, soil microenvironments, and nutrient cycling.