Next generation sequencing shows the effects of simulated root exudates on microbial composition in a barren, contaminated soil
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Nina Goodey
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 1:00 PM
Description
A well-functioning soil microbiome is crucial to soil health and quality. Soil microbes aid in essential processes such as nutrient cycling, supporting plant health and productivity. Brownfield soils typically exhibit low levels of microbial functioning from contaminant-resistant microbial communities. The low level of microbial functioning can hinder natural vegetation growth, leaving areas barren and lacking structure and stability. We have recently shown that microbial function increases when primed with a single addition of simulated root exudate (SRE) solution. This creates a microbial legacy within the soil that can support plant growth. Here, we ask how the soil microbial community in a barren, contaminated soil changes over time in response to SREs and what types of microbes become more or less prevalent due to the addition of SREs. The DNA of the bacterial and fungal communities within barren, contaminated soil was extracted and sequenced using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) at two time points to observe changes within the microbial community in response to SRE priming. Using targeted sequencing methods (16S and ITS), we gained insights into the microbial community composition and diversity in SRE-treated and control soils. These data allowed us to better understand how SREs affect soil microbial composition and function. This understanding is crucial for soil management, in particular for efforts to revitalize poorly functioning soils using practical and effective approaches.
Next generation sequencing shows the effects of simulated root exudates on microbial composition in a barren, contaminated soil
A well-functioning soil microbiome is crucial to soil health and quality. Soil microbes aid in essential processes such as nutrient cycling, supporting plant health and productivity. Brownfield soils typically exhibit low levels of microbial functioning from contaminant-resistant microbial communities. The low level of microbial functioning can hinder natural vegetation growth, leaving areas barren and lacking structure and stability. We have recently shown that microbial function increases when primed with a single addition of simulated root exudate (SRE) solution. This creates a microbial legacy within the soil that can support plant growth. Here, we ask how the soil microbial community in a barren, contaminated soil changes over time in response to SREs and what types of microbes become more or less prevalent due to the addition of SREs. The DNA of the bacterial and fungal communities within barren, contaminated soil was extracted and sequenced using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) at two time points to observe changes within the microbial community in response to SRE priming. Using targeted sequencing methods (16S and ITS), we gained insights into the microbial community composition and diversity in SRE-treated and control soils. These data allowed us to better understand how SREs affect soil microbial composition and function. This understanding is crucial for soil management, in particular for efforts to revitalize poorly functioning soils using practical and effective approaches.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.