EJP Soil

EJP-SOIL International Joint Call

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Achim Schmalenberger
Ireland
University of Limerick
University
Microbial diversity, microbial nutrient cycling
Managing soils in the context of climate change
I am partner of 2 EU projects dealing with soil biodiversity, namely ReNu2Farm (Interreg) and PotatoMETAbiome (SusCrop). As part of these projects I perform microbiological and molecular based studies on microbial diversity and functional diversity in the cycling of N, P and S. Techniques include qPCR, microbiome amplicon sequencing, RNA-Seq , isolation and characterization of nutrient cycling bacteria, as well as mycorrhiza analysis. Both EU projects conduct field trials, sample collection, DNA and RNA extraction and subsequent analysis. A recent national research project of mine also investigated the diversities of nematodes under different fertilization regimes and a current national research project is investigating the microbiomes of leafy vegetables. My research group has plant growth chamber facilities and my department has glasshouse and poly tunnel facilities. I am interested in joining a consortium where I can contribute to the study of functional microbial diversities in nutrient cycling and supply in soils and rhizosphere.
The University of Limerick (UL) with over 16,300 students and 1,700 staff is an energetic and enterprising institution with a proud record of innovation and excellence in education, research and scholarship. The dynamic, entrepreneurial and pioneering values which drive UL’s mission and strategy ensure that we capitalise on local, national and international engagement and connectivity. We are renowned for providing an outstanding student experience and employability and conducting leading edge research. Our commitment is to make a difference by shaping the future through educating and empowering our undergraduate and postgraduate students. UL is situated on a superb riverside campus of over 130 hectares with the River Shannon as a unifying focal point. Outstanding recreational, cultural and sporting facilities further enhance this exceptional learning and research environment.