Challenges of the Soil System

Measuring genes and gases in heterogenous soil systems. Soil is a complex and heterogeneous matrix of inorganic and organic compounds arranged in particles, aggregates, and pores spanning wide spatial scales (i.e., nm to cm). The extent to which soil heterogeneity and complexity shapes micro-scale microbial community assembly and function is not well known, and is not typically captured by measurement systems. These challenges limit our ability to “scale up” soil genomics to ecosystem function. Our work focuses on improving in situ trace gas monitoring capabilities and evaluating scaling assumptions.

Current Projects

Spatially-Resolved Microbial Activity Probe for Trace Gas Isotopes in Soil

Experimental Evaluation of Soil Scaling Assumptions

Recent Highlights

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Key Collaborators

Till H. M. Volkmann, Biosphere 2

Rob Roscioli and Joanne Shorter, Aerodyne Research, Inc.

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