Project

Microfauna - microflora - plant interactions: extending the soil “microbial loop concept” of nitrogen mineralization

Code
01CD0423
Duration
01 May 2023 → 31 August 2023
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Soil ecology
    • Natural resource management
Keywords
plant-root interaction microbial loop soil microfauna nitrogen mineralization soil microflora
 
Project description
Soil nematodes are composed of multiple feeding groups, distinct energy channels and with strong interactions with plant growth, but to date most studies focused on bacterivorous nematodes, largely neglecting the contribution of herbivorous and fungivorous nematodes. We conducted mesocosm experiments to investigate whether and how herbivorous and microbivorous microfauna, separately and in combination, enhance N mineralization and plant growth.