Influence of Organic Matter on Microbes in Model Soil

Presenter

Trevor Melusen

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Kristen DeAngelis, Department of Microbiology, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A18, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 1 (A1-A20) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Model soil, sometimes known as artificial soils, are soils composed entirely within a lab setting. These soils allow for a large level of control regarding soil organic carbon and nutrient levels, microbial content, and textural class. While it has been shown that bacteria and fungi can grow and reproduce within model soil, it is not clear to what extent the composition of the model soil influences the microbial communities within. Further, the relationships between plants and microbial communities within a model soil are not well understood. To investigate these questions, I grew Brachypodium distachyon in a model soil composed of 90% sand and 10% clay with the addition of either 3% birch leaves, 3% coco coir, or no organic matter. Each plant was grown in a microcosm and was inoculated with a bacterial inoculum extracted from a natural soil. The plants were grown for three weeks, before being photographed for determination of leaf area. DNA was extracted from the rhizosphere and bulk soils of each plant and I determined that the different environments provided by the model soil types caused a change within the soil microbial communities in the soil. The process by which the plants were inoculated and grown is standardized, and will be used for further research using model soils with B. distachyon. Although model soils can be used to grow bacteria, fungi, and plants, more research comparing model soils to natural soils will be needed to determine how well model soil research can be replicated in real-world settings.

Keywords

soil microbiology, microcosms, model soil, Brachypodium

Research Area

Environment Effects on Ecosystems

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