Wubs Group: Soils as complex adaptive systems, supporting nature and society
Wubs Group: Soils as complex adaptive systems, supporting nature and society
Terrestrial EcologyGroup members
Like a Swiss army knife, soils perform a range of functions; they support primary production, cycle nutrients, store carbon, purify water, support biodiversity – important functions on which society and nature both depend. However, also like a Swiss army knife, not all functions can be put to maximum use all of the time. We aim to understand how soil functions are regulated, the role of soil biodiversity in driving soil functioning, and we test how soils can be managed for optimal functioning and thus soil health.
The Wubs group investigates the interrelationships between soil biodiversity and the multiple functions of soils and how this relates to the sustainable use of land. We view soils as complex adaptive systems, where dynamics result from the multitude of actors in play, with the community constantly reassembling in response to internal and external drivers. Given this complexity, we aim to understand the causal linkages, predict the dominant behaviour of soils, and ultimately optimize functioning across landscapes. We use Big Data tools, focussed experiments and causal inference to do this.
Want to know more?
If you want to collaborate, wish to know more about possibilities for internships and/or if you are interested in joining our group as a PhD student or post-doc, don't hesitate to contact us!
