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Project properties |
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| Title | Developing methodologies for measuring the impact of root exudation on soil microbial processes |
| 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 | 2021/09/01 |
| End date | |
| Description | Plant roots release a diverse cocktail of compounds into soil. These root exudates interact with soil microbes, organic matter and minerals, with important implications for soil functions including soil carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and disease suppression. Because of the many challenges associated with measuring root exudates – including the detection of low concentrations, contamination from soil, microbial degradation of root exudate compounds, and root system damage – the role of root exudation in various soil processes remains poorly understood. A common and trustworthy method for collecting and analysing root exudates is urgently needed. Therefore, the aim of this project is to test different root exudation collection techniques and methods for studying the effect of root exudates on soil microbial respiration. This research will consist of a greenhouse experiments with potentially different plant species. Root exudates will be collected using different methods and trap solutions. Root exudate quantity and quality will be measured. Subsequently, collected root exudates will be re-applied to soil to measure their impact on soil microbial respiration using the MicroResp method. The results of this project are crucial for the development of future studies investigating the role of root exudates in driving soil carbon and nutrient cycles. |
| Used skills | Literature review, writing proposal and thesis, experimental design, greenhouse work, lab skills, data analysis. |
| Requirements | Required courses for MSc thesis Soil Biology |