Project properties
Title Effect of grazing systems on root exudation
Group Soil Biology
Project type thesis
Credits 24-39
Supervisor(s) Ellis Hoffland
Examiner(s) To be determined
Contact info Ellis.Hoffland@wur.nl
Begin date 2024/01/08
End date
Description Like other plants, grasses actively regulate the rhizosphere environment and the soil microbial community by releasing root exudates into the soil. Grazing by herbivores causes a so called root exudate explosion which primes the microbial community and causes mineralisation of nutrients. There are different grazing systems practiced worldwide with different frequencies of grazing and rest (e.g. continuous, kurzrassen, rotational, mob, strip etc.) leaving a certain stubble height (grazing residual). The objective of this research would be to study effect of different grazing systems on the root exudate pattern and quantity. In a green-house set up the effect of different frequencies of simulated grazing and rest on the release of root exudates will be studied for one or maximum three grassland species (perennial rye grass, white clover and plantain).
Used skills Literature review, greenhouse experiments with plants, lab analyses of root exudates, research proposal and report writing
Requirements See Study Handbook SBL81836