J (Jiaoyi) Qu
Externe medewerkerI am a researcher dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture by optimizing nutrient utilization in soils. My current focus is on understanding and enhancing iron bioavailability, a critical micronutrient in crop production.
To cope with soil conditions of low Fe bioavailability, plant species have developed different strategies based on root exudation of either chelating ligands or reductants. Recent studies show that combining chelating ligands and reductants can more effectively (synergistically) mobilize Fe from the soil, indicating the potential of intercropping for improving plant Fe uptake. My project seeks to develop a mechanistic understanding of the processes underlying this synergistic Fe mobilization, for application in developing more sustainable agricultural methods.