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Plant root and microbial influences on soil water relations and structural stability
Reference
D20454
Principal Investigator / Supervisor
Professor Iain M Young
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Miss Debbie Feeney
,
Dr Nia Annette White
Institution
University of Abertay Dundee
Department
Sch of Computing and Creative Tech
Funding type
Research
Value (£)
280,299
Status
Completed
Type
Research Grant
Start date
01/02/2004
End date
31/01/2007
Duration
36 months
Abstract
Roots and microbes have a significant influence on soil physical behaviour. An important effect is the creation of hydrodrophobic surfaces that causes levels of repellency to develop. We will examine the organisms (plant, fungal, and bacterial) and biophysical conditions that contribute to repellency by measuring its physical impact with a novel approach, measure levels of hydrophobic compounds with DRIFT spectroscopy, and use antibody technology to investigate the role AM fungi play in water relations. We will then examine the role of repellency on the structural stabilisation of soil, water retention characteristics and potential preferential transport using a combination of field and laboratory investigations. This research will provide fundamental information about biophysical interactions in soil that lead to soil stabilisation and changes in water relations.
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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