Strategic ILVO PhD grant: Insight into soil microbiology for soil resistance and resilience

General introduction

The aim here was to find an accurate way to measure biological soil quality in terms of resistance (degree of sensitivity to stress) and resilience (resilience of a soil after stress). The focus was on soil microbiology. Biological indicators are tested to assess the soil quality. The goal: to test indicators that relate well to soil quality that can also be measured efficiently. 

Research approach

The ILVO soil database was a rich and essential point of support for this study. This extensive dataset of soil parameters has been built from five long-term multi-year trials using different management measures. The relationships between the biological and physicochemical parameters have been explored and the relevant biological indicators have beenIdentified. Pot trials were conducted where soil was exposed to different abiotic and biotic stressors. Both the diversity (which microorganisms are present?) and the functions (what is their role in the soil?) of the soil microbiology were mapped. Resilience and resilience were also observed. Correlations were sought between those characteristics and certain shifts in biological indicators.

Relevance/Valorisation

This research has shown promise in the development of indicators for assessing biological soil quality, as well as the stress resistance and restorative capacity of a soil. Practical relevance can already be considered: the soil management work a farmer performs, or the soil measures a government enacts can be evaluated. Anyway, truly resilient and resilient soils are an added value to the farmer towards farm security and crop quality, but also towards higher (or optimal) carbon storage and lower P leaching. There is also a clear link to climate change policy: storing C in soil (climate mitigation) and making soil more resilient (climate adaptation) are challenges, which we may be able to monitor and manage more efficiently in the future. (Micro) biological characteristics, in addition to soil chemical and physical properties, are an important measure of soil quality.