Award details

The role of soil aggregates in the stabilisation of soil organic matter and survival of soil micro-organisms

Reference	BBS/E/S/00001389
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Chris Watts
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Silsoe Research Institute
Department	Silsoe Research Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	21,710
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	30/09/1998
Duration	18 months

Abstract

Biological processes occurring within the soil matrix are strongly constrained by the physical micro environment, which is at present inadequately understood. A recent MAFF commissioned review of N mineralisation concluded that advances are required, at a fundamental level, to increase understanding of the role of the soil structure in controlling mineralisation, and quantifying the spatial relationships between substrates, micro-organisms, roots, water, etc. The aim is to examine the mechanisms by which soil organic matter and micro-organisms are stabilised within the soil microaggregates, so that the main sites of organic matter mineralisation and the more rapidly changing microbial populations are associated with the macroaggregates. The distribution of soil micro-organisms associated with the aggregates, including the different distributions of two distinct genetically-marked Rhizobia, will be determined. The work is designed to provide criteria to decide if other introduced micro-organisms can affect soil processes such as organic matter mineralisation or the distribution of native soil organisms. In addition, the effects of applying mechanical deformations to soil on the micro-environments for biological activity are being investigated. TF: Environmental research, sustainable technologies, Ecosystem management ANRE. BBSRC EPSC: Transport processes. BBSRC PMS: Microbial energetics and transport mechanisms. BBSRC CPD: Environmental Biotechnology - bioremediation of soil. BBSRC ASD: Agriculture in the Environment - soil nutrient dynamics and organic matter. By combining the techniques of soil micro-morphology, soil mechanics and microbiology, we have already obtained novel and surprising results about our potential to modify soil structure and biological function. This research also addresses the important topic of microbial survival in soil both at the whole community level (i.e. biomass) and at the single species level (using a genetically manipulated bacterium as a test organism). The work will also be of value in developing methods and standards to test if introduced organisms can affect vital soil processes such as soil C and N mineralisation and their location in soil. The work is directly relevant to MAFF and other bodies concerned with the results of organic matter mineralisation, such as organic matter decline in soils and the leaching of nitrate to aquifers. It will also provide vital information to MAFF, other Government Departments (e.g. DOE), organisations and companies interested in the introduction and monitoring of genetically engineered or selected micro-organisms to soil and in the fields of environmental protection and bioremediation.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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