Research topics
The Soil Biology Group studies the role of the soil biota in ecosystem processes at a range of scales; from the life in a soil ped to the role of soil biota in climate change at a global scale. Our mission is to use soil processes driven by soil biota to develop and maintain sustainable agro-ecosystems. Research at the Soil Biology Group is classified in four main research lines that are interconnected:
Fertile soils
The theme 'Fertile Soils' deals with the functioning and management of soil biota in agricultural systems. We study the role of soil life in the cycles of nutrient elements (N, P, micronutrients) to enhance soil ecosystem services and warrant a more efficient agriculture that is more sustainable with the environment.
Functional Soil Biodiversity
The theme 'Functional Soil Biodiversity' comprises research that aims to understand how the richness and community composition of soil biota is coupled to ecosystem functioning in (agro)ecosystems. We study these dynamic interactions in the context of plant-soil feedbacks, trait-based ecology of soil fauna and soil microbes.
Soil Biology and Land Management
The theme 'Managing our Land' deals with the impacts of agricultural management on soil biota and soil quality. We propose that through the correct soil management practices, we can optimise multi-functionality of our soils, including soil functions such as primary productivity, carbon management, nutrient cycling, water regulation and habitat for biodiversity. Soil biota has a lead role to play in promoting these functions through the mineralisation of nutrients or decomposition of organic matter in soils.
Soils in a Changing Climate
The theme 'Soils in a changing climate' relates to what may be the most pertinent environmental threat facing humanity: climate change as a result of man-made greenhouse gas. We study both the effects of climate change on soil life and the controls that soil life exerts on greenhouse gas emissions from the soil.