The addition of artificial root exudates causes microbial awakening

Chemical compounds that are secreted from plant roots are called plant root exudates. These secretions affect the rhizosphere region by suppressing parasitic microorganisms and initializing a symbiotic environment that supports the growth of plants that are related to one another. Importantly, root exudates bound nutrients to the soil microbes. Previous research on Liberty State Park revealed microbes were dormant. The goal of this experiment is to study how various groups of artificial root exudates (Sugars, Amino acids etc) affect the pH, soil respiration and phosphatase enzyme activity. Soil was collected from Liberty State Park (LSP) and treated with 7 different exudate solutions. After sieving soil, artificial root exudates were added into pots in the greenhouse followed by taking pH readings, carbon dioxide emissions and sample collection. Exudate solution was applied once and later on. Pots were watered three times a week, carbon dioxide emission will be measured every third day along with phosphatase assay. Our results will reveal which root exudate is most beneficial for the soil microbes. Furthermore, The different artificial root exudate solutions have different compositions in terms of sugars, amino acids, and organic acids that are present. It will be interesting to see how few compounds can result in the desired increases in soil microbial functioning.