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Project title

Unlocking the black-box: Consequences of agricultural grassland-management intensity on soil microbiome-mediated nutrient-cycling potential in Europe

Primary Funding Agency

Science Foundation Ireland

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Environmental Protection Agency

Lead Organisation

Science Foundation Ireland (Teagasc)

Lead Applicant

Aaron Fox

Project Abstract

The widespread conversion from plant species-rich, extensively managed grasslands to plant speciespoor, intensively managed grasslands in Europe has had profound consequences on the community structure of the soil microbiome. The soil microbiome plays an instrumental role in many soil nutrient cycles, thus this significant shift may have had profound effects on these processes, though this is currently unknown. The proposed research will address this fundamental research gap in two phases. Firstly, the influence of grassland management intensity on soil microbiome-mediated nutrient cycling potential will be measured across ten contrasting regions in Europe, using metagenomic analysis of microbial functional genes involved in the soil nitrogen and carbon cycles and in phosphorus turnover. Secondly, a number of complimentary focused studies will be undertaken. These will focus on the influence of the following aspects on microbiome-mediated soil nutrient cycling potential; 1) the presence of specific plant species 2) temporal effects and 3) soil microbiome community structure. A greater understanding of the influence of grassland management intensity on microbiome-mediated soil nutrient cycling potential is of crucial importance for the development of more sustainable management practices, as is stipulated by both the Irish Government’s FoodWise 2030 and EU Farm to Fork policies.

Grant Approved

�283,447.45

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/12/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2027