Biogeochemistry, Plant and Microbial Ecology

Description

The research in the department focuses on five main lines with complementary aspects that govern the specific objectives of the research groups that form it. The Mediterranean Forest Systems (SIFOMed) group studies the dynamics and functioning of Mediterranean forest ecosystems, with special attention to their response to global change. The Organic Matter in Soils and Sediments (MOSS) group investigates the impact of environmental factors, such as forest fires and climate change, on the dynamics and structure of organic matter in soils and sediments and its implication in the sustainability of ecosystems. The group also studies the development and effects of organic amendments application produced from agricultural and livestock waste on soil quality, carbon sequestration and nitrogen dynamics. It has modern analytical techniques for molecular and isotopic characterization based on analytical pyrolysis, thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The Sustainable Use of the Soil-Plant System (SOILPLANT) group carries out integrated research on both, agricultural soils and agroforestry systems, with special attention to contaminated and degraded soils. It works to develop management practices adapted to the soil-climatic characteristics of each scenario, based on sustainable use of the environment and integrated application of nutrients. The Microbial Diversity and Microbiology of Extreme Environments (DIVEX) group investigates microbial functionality and diversity in various environments and microorganisms, with special, but not exclusive, attention to extremophile organisms. The Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry group (BIOGEOCOM) studies microbial diversity and its interactions with the mineral phase and organic matter in particular and complex ecosystems, such as underground environments (caves and mines), stone cultural heritage, soils and sediments, applying approaches novels that combine classical microbiology, molecular biology, metagenomics, advanced microscopy, mineralogy and biogeochemistry.

Research groups