Microbial Regulation of Soil Carbon Cycling in Terrestrial Ecosystems

The soil organic carbon (SOC) pool is larger than the combined carbon stock in the world’s vegetation and the earth’s atmosphere. Carbon (C) exchanges between soil and atmosphere are quantitatively relevant for the terrestrial C cycle. Soil microbes regulate soil C dynamics through the transformation of plant-derived C, assimilation of C resources to build up their biomass, and decomposition of soil organic matter. The efficiencies of these processes are critical determinants of net ecosystem C storage. Though there is a continuing and growing interest in elucidating the underlying microbial mechanisms driving soil C transformation, stabilization, and release processes, there are still challenges in manipulating the soil microbial community for C storage. For example, identifying major players in C storage and decomposition; determining the genetic basis of the mechanisms involved in C sequestration; understanding complex interactions between soil physicochemical properties, plants and soil microbes over large spatial and temporal scales; and incorporating microbial community patterns and process rates into ecosystem models.<br/><br/>This research topic aims to increase our understanding of the role of microorganisms in soil organic C storage and mobilization processes, as well as to improve our capabilities in developing and evaluating cost-effective microbial strategies for carbon sequestration and anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions mitigation, ultimately assi...