Linkages between soil fauna and soil carbon cycling

Description 

A wide range of organisms live in soils, where they support carbon and nutrient cycling. Although a higher diversity of soil organisms is generally associated with better soil functioning, the direct role of soil fauna in regulating soil carbon cycling is still unclear. This is especially important considering that global changes are disproportionately affecting larger fauna and predators, which could destabilize soil food webs.  

In this project, we aim to determine how the loss of specific functional groups of microarthropods (predators versus decomposers) can influence the stabilization of newly formed soil organic matter. We are conducting a mesocosm experiment with manipulation of field-collected microarthropod communities while tracing 13C-carbon from litter and root exudates in beech forest soils. This project will help develop a mechanistic understanding of the direct role of soil microarthropods in carbon cycling. We will also characterize nematode communities and soil microorganisms. For this student project, we are looking for someone with an interest in soil nematodes and trophic interactions.   

Main tasks of the project include: 

• Extraction of soil fauna (microarthropods and nematodes) 
• Morphological identification of soil fauna (functional groups) 
• Laboratory analyses (physicochemical parameters) 
• Dataset management and statistical analysis 
• Result interpretation, literature review, and writing  
• Be an active member of the Lejoly group (https://nioo.knaw.nl/en/research-groups/lejoly-group) and the department of Terrestrial Ecology (notably joining weekly department meetings, contributing to other projects in terms of feedback and collaboration, and committing to an inclusive work culture) 

Practical information 

• Duration: 6 months 
• Starting date: between September and November 2024 
• Location: Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen 
• Suitable for MSc thesis or internship 
• Supervisor: Justine Lejoly 
• During the practical periods, this project is full-time (38 hrs/week) in person at NIOO. 

How to apply 

Interested? Send an email to Justine Lejoly (j.lejoly@nioo.knaw.nl) to discuss your ideas and thesis possibilities.