Areas of Focus
Chemical soil characterization.
Traditional soil chemistry analyses are a mainstay of arable agriculture. They measure the amounts and types of various elements, minerals, pesticides, and soil properties such as pH, CEC, organic matter, and soil texture. The tests are used to determine the fertility of the soil and to assess the effects of different land management practices based on soil fertility. Soil fertility can be improved by increasing the amount of available nutrients, improving the soil structure, and controlling pests and diseases.
Next generation sequencing
The advent of recombinant DNA technologies has revolutionized many areas of science including medicine and therapeutics development. The decreasing cost of sequencing per mega base has now made these technologies widely available. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has as a result become a powerful tool for soil science and arable agriculture. It is an excellent method to study the distribution and dynamics of microbial organisms in soils, assess their role in plant growth and health, and develop predictive models for interpreting soil responses to environmental changes. NGS also provides insights into the genetic structure of bacterial populations that can assist in establishing suitable agricultural practices. For example, by understanding the genetic makeup of soils, farmers can identify problems early and implement corrective measures, resulting in improved crop yields.
