Soil Biology
At Warwick Crop Centre, researchers explore the rich and complex biology of soils, focusing on the diverse living organisms that drive soil function. Our work spans microscopic microbial communities, including bacteria and fungi, as well as larger soil invertebrates such as earthworms and arthropods.
We also study soil-borne pathogens, investigating how harmful organisms interact with crops and soil ecosystems. By understanding both beneficial and harmful soil life, we aim to uncover the processes that support nutrient cycling, soil structure, and plant growth. This research underpins efforts to improve soil health and develop more sustainable agricultural systems.
Research Projects
A RADICAL SOURCE REVEALED IN SOIL: Biogenic Nitrous Acid Production and Effects on Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling - NERC
By Professor Gary Bending and Dr Ryan Mushinski
This project explores how soils release nitrous acid (HONO), an important but poorly understood pollutant affecting air quality and climate. It focuses on identifying the soil microorganisms responsible and understanding how HONO influences soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, helping improve climate models.
Functional flexibility of N-fixing rhizobacteria under changing environments - BBSRC
By Professor Gary Bending and Professor Miriam Gifford
eDNA observatories for biodiversity monitoring linked to 77564 - Coventry City Council
By Professor Gary Bending
Soil ecoacoustics for land management - Farming Innovation Programme
By Dr Jacqueline Stroud and Dr Dave Chandler
Uncharacterised microbial pathways are key to understanding large fluxes of biogenic reactive nitrogen gases from agronomic soils - BBSRC
By Dr Ryan Mushinski