Plant-Soil Feedback

Working on mycorrhiza control over SOM dynamics in mediterranean forests of Chile. Assessing the impact of increased relative abundance of EcM systems due to pine plantation for timber production and cellulose.

The researcher is focused on providing a baseline data on mycorrhizal diversity and tree growth, to support conservation efforts of Miombo ecosystem in Mount Gorongosa, Mozambique. As this ecosystem has been threatened by climate change and anthropogenic activities, despite its crucial role for biodiversity by providing goods and services.

I am a PhD student studying the influence of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi on blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) plant growth and production through field, glasshouse, and laboratory experiments.

Working with undergraduate students at University of Panamá in the Agronomy Faculty into Agroforestry Engineering, ones of our objective is strengthen their capabilities understanding how the soil and their microorganisms working on. Under this focus, We will try to  evaluate the total fungal and mycorrhizal community richness and composition that will vary with elevation due to changes in climatic influences, in addition to soil characteristics and the influence of vegetation. For that, we will be establishing plots  to collect data at several sites across the Comarca Gnabe Bouglé in partnership with GCBC -STRI project. In addition our students must be using Labs from STRI to study molecular  (DNA)  and sequencing of fungal and mycorrhizal working with Saltonstall Kristin Dr.

I am the founder and director of the Telluride Environmental Science and Engineering Laboratory (TESEL).  I am also the Director of Science and Research at the Telluride Institute.  My laboratory has a portfolio of ongoing projects focused on environmental biology in alpine and subalpine ecosystems in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride Colorado.  Much of my research focuses on complex-systems biology and fungal biodiversity, including a new research initiative to assess mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi in high-elevation fens.

Overall research question is: how is the plant – soil nitrogen cycle in Montane cloud forest in Peru affected by lack of rain and clouds

1) Are plants and microbes in canopy soil and in ground soil  N or P limited ?  2) Does drought by rain removal - decrease or increase gross N mineralization ?
3) and has stronger impact in the epiphytes N uptake than in ground-living herbs ?

La investigación esta basada en todos los componentes de la agricultura regenerativa, no solamente las alternativas para recuperar los suelos, si no también las selección de nuevas variedades de plantas adaptadas a estas técnicas, estamos comparando las diferentes técnicas: aplicación de abonos orgánicos, sobretodo basados en bioles, compost y   y con microorganismos enriquecedores del suelo: microorganismos de montaña, controladores biológicos: Trichoderma, Bauberia bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis, micorrizas. Las investigaciones se realizan en terrenos de los campesinos y en terrenos experimentales de Raymi Llacta, sostenida mente estamos realizando cursos de capacitación para agricultores en toda la provincia de Loja, además los resultados están publicados en la revista "Naturaleza" de la casa de la Cultura ecuatoriana núcleo de Loja, así como son expuestos en  los "Martes de Naturaleza" de la misma casa de la cultura a donde asisten autoridades, estudiantes y profesores de universidades y colegios así como periodistas. En mi tesis de doctorado de estado trabajamos sobre el poder patógeno de Helminthosporium maydis y las relaciones huesped parásito.

I am interested in characterizing fungal biodiversity and function along axes of disturbance using metatranscriptomic approaches, and leveraging my research to inform restoration/conservation initiatives. I am specifically interested in forests and fens of the Sierra Nevada (California) that are in peril due to rapid climactic and hydrological shifts.