Our research group has a longstanding experience in the biogeochemical cycles in soil focusing on rhizosphere processes and in particular focusing on carbon cycling and the exudation of low and high molecular weight organic compounds involved in the nutrient mobilization and uptake mechanisms. We also work on the effect of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils (orchards and vineyards) and other contaminants such as pesticides and nano/microplastics on soil quality (chemical and biological in terms of soil biodiversity).

The Free University of Bolzano (UNIBZ) , established in 1997, is one of the youngest and most dynamic universities in Italy with a strong research activity on agricultural, ecological and environmental sciences with special emphasis on the sustainability of energy production and utilization. The research at the Faculty of Science and Technology, established just 10 years ago, is characterized by an inter- to trans-disciplinary spectrum of topics, focusing on natural (e.g. forests, grasslands, rivers, high mountain environments) and anthropogenic environments (e.g. urban-industrial spaces, agricultural land, and orchards) and related patterns and processes.