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Project properties |
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| Title | Decoding root biochemical fingerprints: how does species variation in root exudation patterns influence soil microbial activity in grasslands? |
| Group | Soil Biology |
| Project type | thesis |
| Credits | 24-39 |
| Supervisor(s) | Marie Zwetsloot |
| Examiner(s) | prof.dr. Rachel Creamer |
| Contact info | marie.zwetsloot@wur.nl |
| Begin date | 2024/09/01 |
| End date | |
| Description | Plant roots release a diversity of compounds into soil, interacting with soil microbes, organic matter and minerals. Despite being a strong driver of soil carbon and nutrient cycling, the impact of plant species variation in root exudation profiles on microbially-mediated soil processes remains poorly understood. Root ecologist recently developed a novel framework that explains species variation in root traits – such as root diameter, tissue density and specific root length - through two dimensions: a) the degree of collaboration with mycorrhizal fungi and b) whether plant species employ a fast versus slow growth strategy. However, root exudation has not been integrated into this framework, limiting our understanding of plant species differences in root-driven soil processes. Therefore, the aim of this project is to enhance our understanding of species variation in root exudation patterns and determine the significance of these differences rhizosphere microbial activity. This research will consist of a greenhouse experiment and analyse root exudation quantity and quality of a large diversity of plant species found in grasslands. Root traits, mycorrhizal colonization, rhizosphere microbial biomass and activity will also be measured. This information provides valuable insights for restoration of natural grasslands and designing nature-inclusive agricultural systems. |
| Used skills | Literature review, writing proposal and thesis, experimental design, greenhouse work, lab skills, data analysis. |
| Requirements | Required courses for MSc thesis Soil Biology |