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Recent work has demonstrated that belowground herbivory can result in changes
in patterns of root exudation that may impact on soil microbial diversity
and functioning. This project aims to use complementary laboratory
and field experimental approaches to evaluate the complex interactions
between invertebrate root herbivores and soil microbial communities in
the rhizosphere environment. Invertebrate root feeding organisms
include the larval stages of many insects as well as ecto- and endoparasitic
nematodes. The process of root herbivory is likely to have significant
impacts on rhizosphere microbes that rely on root-derived carbon as an
energy source.
This programme of work aims to test the hypotheses that: (1) The diversity of root feeders in upland grassland is influenced by grassland management strategies. (2) Root feeders alter the quantity and quality of rhizosphere carbon supply to micro-organisms by affecting rhizodeposition. (3) Root feeding affects soil microbial diversity and activity in the rhizosphere. (4) Root feeders affect the dispersal and colonisation of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizae. The grassland studied for this work
is Sourhope, an upland site located in the Scottish
Borders. From April 1999, Sourhope has been the focus of intensive
soil biodiversity research by nineteen NERC-funded research projects, under
the auspices of the Soil Biodiversity
Thematic Programme.
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