Soil Chemistry
At Warwick Crop Centre, researchers investigate the chemical processes that underpin soil function and fertility. Our work focuses on how nutrients, organic matter, and mineral interactions shape soil behaviour and influence plant growth.
By studying soil chemistry, we aim to better understand nutrient availability, transformations, and losses, as well as the movement of compounds through soil systems. This research supports the development of efficient nutrient management strategies and helps address wider challenges such as environmental pollution and sustainable food production.
Current 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.
Nitrogen Oxide Isotopes for Soil Emissions (NOISE) - NERC
By Dr Ryan Mushinski
This project investigates how agricultural soils contribute to nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, an important air pollutant affecting atmospheric chemistry and climate. As emissions from transport decline, fertilised soils may be a major but underestimated source of NOx.
The research combines field and laboratory studies to understand the microbial processes driving these emissions and develops new techniques to measure them in real-world conditions. The aim is to improve how soil NOx emissions are represented in atmospheric models.
Do microbe-mineral interactions influence nitrogen cycle dynamics?
By Dr Ryan Mushinski
This project explores how interactions between microbes, minerals, and ecosystems control nitrogen oxide emissions from soils, including nitrous oxide (N₂O) and other reactive gases.
Using field experiments and advanced analytical techniques, the research investigates how soil composition and microbial activity influence nitrogen cycling. The aim is to improve understanding of soil nitrogen dynamics and their impacts on air quality and climate.
Nutrient Soil Stoichiometry Transformation for Optimised Resource Management - Defra
By Professor Gary Bending and Dr Ryan Mushinski