Elucidating the impacts of viruses on soil organic carbon and greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural peat soils
EMSL Project ID
60431
Abstract
Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth. Despite their abundance, soil viruses are poorly characterized and viral impacts on the biogeochemical cycles in soils are vastly unquantified. However, a few pioneer studies indicate that their impact could be of the same magnitude as in the oceans, where viruses play major regulatory roles in the biogeochemical cycles. In this proposal, we present a project to mechanistically understand and quantify the impacts of viruses on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide fluxes from agricultural peat soils that are important greenhouse gas (GHG) sources. Using state-of-the-art methods that integrate microbiology, biogeochemistry, soil and climate sciences, we will perform both laboratory experiments and fieldwork to quantify SOC and GHG flux responses to viral activity. Furthermore, we will link viral and microbial identity to quantified SOC and GHG cycling, and create a conceptual model to mechanistically explain biotic and abiotic factors impacting viral processes. Our goal is to know how and to what extent viruses cause net increase or decrease in organic matter degradation, mineral-associated organic matter formation, and GHG emissions from agricultural peat soils. In filling this knowledge gap, we expect that this fundamental research will enable the refinement of global soil carbon and nitrogen models by accounting for virus-regulated fluxes. Additionally, results from this research could contribute to the development of novel strategies to retain SOC and control soil GHG emissions. This would help remediating the impacts of climate change and intensive agriculture on soils, so they remain cultivable and maintain or even increase their current storages of carbon.
Project Details
Project type
FICUS Research
Start Date
2022-10-01
End Date
N/A
Status
Active
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator(s)
Team Members