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Extracellular polymeric substances and aggregate stability - how microorganisms affect soil erosion by water
Project
Project code: JKI-EP-08-2284
Contract period: 01.08.2016
- 31.05.2019
Purpose of research: Inventory & Assessment
Soil erosion determines the shape and surface of many landscapes and the stability of soil aggregates is considered to be a crucial factor regulating soil erosion. So far, microbial processes have not been discussed as important controls of soil erosion. However, experiments under controlled conditions showed that microorganisms contribute to soil aggregate stability by the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). It is unknown whether the composition of the bacterial community as influenced by vegetation and soil type affects the amounts and properties of EPS produced in situ. Therefore, the main objective of this project is to study the complex interactions between vegetation, the composition and capability of the soil bacterial community to produce EPS, and the effects of these EPS on the stability of formed aggregates and subsequently on soils’ susceptibility to erosion by water. This will be tested by an explorative survey using a field site with two defined gradients (precipitation, vegetation; Almería, Spanien) followed by experiments under controlled greenhouse conditions providing detailed insights into the interaction network. In our project we will bridge different temporal and spatial scales and enhance our knowledge about biotic modulation of erosion and sediment routing depending on climate.
Section overview
Subjects
- Soil science
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics (JKI-EP)