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Project title

Chemosynthetic pathways to increased carbon dioxide sequestration and improved productivity in soil.

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

Dublin City University (DCU)

Lead Applicant

Anthony Grey

Project Abstract

Knowledge of carbon sequestration in soil systems is imperative if we are to understand carbon-cycling and its role in climate change and agricultural productivity. Here we propose to apply recently developed methodologies to a global challenge (namely better understanding of global carbon cycles), with strong resonance in agriculture and research fields such as carbon-capture and storage. Through work conducted by Dr Kelleher�s group, there is now a realisation that microbial biomass contribution to soil is seriously underestimated (1,2). If we underestimate microbial contribution to soil, could we also underestimate their contribution to atmospheric CO2 uptake? In recently published work the research groups of Kelleher (DCU) and Allen (QUB) outline a methodology that can, for the first time allow us to follow the fate of microbial carbon in soil over time, identify novel species that assimilate CO2 under varying conditions and quantify CO2 uptake. They found that chemoautotrophic bacteria are capable of using electron donors and that CO2 uptake increases tenfold when we apply it to soil. This approach represents a first step in understanding the fate and dynamics of microbial carbon in soil. The next step is to apply these approaches to develop management procedures that encourage carbon stabilisation.

Grant Approved

�96,000.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options

Start Date

01/12/2015

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2019