Soilwarm

The effects of increasing global temperatures on soil biodiversity and the resulting effects on the coupling/decoupling of biogeochemical C, N, P cycles are poorly understood. This project attempt to assess the biodiversity and functional composition of soil microbial communities, including soil fauna (earthworms) and plant-soil interactions responses to soil warming using three whole soil warming experiments established in France, USA and China. We will focus our study on whole soil profiles, as in particular subsoil horizons may have a large temperature response to warming and could release carbon to the atmosphere as positive feedback mechanism. The information obtained through the data generated by our project will be used to benchmark an existing simulation model, which includes representation of soil depth, transport, and microbial physiology of functional guilds. The simulations outcomes can then support the formulation of policies to promote adaptation and mitigation strategy.