Soil structure formation through the action of plants and microbes

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Soil structure refers to the size, shape and arrangement of solids and voids, continuity of pores and aggregation. The formation of soil structure is the result from the interaction of different biota, like plants, soil fauna and microbes with the weathered mineral material and organic matter. As a result soil-specific structures are formed. The aim of our investigations is to understand the interrelation between organic matter input through plants (from roots and plant litter), the pore network created through roots, the microbial community composition and function and the build-up of the soil aggregate structure. Our investigations will rely on a unique loess-based chronosequence from 0-24 y established during reclamation of open-cast lignite mining sites. For the first time investigations will be carried out by linking expertise from soil chemistry with microbial genomics and soil-plant interactions. Our approach is based on a combination of field studies with specific field and lab experiments, covering spatial scales from the pedon over soil columns to soil aggregates.