Phosphorus cycling in the soil-microbe-plant continuum of agri-ecosystems
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Reading
Department Name: Sch of Agriculture Policy and Dev
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Planned Impact
The proposal will deliver novel insights into 1) the structure and function of rhizosphere microbial communities and their roles in rhizosphere phosphorus (P) cycling of a crop plant, 2) the role of root exudates in making P available directly and indirectly through their contribution to microbial community growth and 3) temporal information on crop P demand and how this impacts on root exudates and rhizosphere P cycling. The results of the project will highlight the predominant bacterial genes actively expressed in the rhizosphere and provide data on proteins to be isolated through metagenomic clone library screening approaches. We hope to enhance collaboration with industry with the new approaches to understanding microbial activity in soil and further develop techniques for analysis of the soil bacterial metagenome and metaproteome. The latter will improve understanding of soil enzyme activity and impacts of plant growth on bacterial activity below ground. We will also improve understanding of how soil conditions impact on microbial diversity both at the structural and functional levels. This project will provide vital information to farmers and government agencies, such as Defra, on the potential effects of soil conditions on plant health. The relevant individuals from Defra and HGCA (cereals and oilseeds division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)) already have strong contacts with Warwick School of Life Sciences so this represents an opportunity to extend these contacts. In addition to the academic beneficiaries to these advancements in our knowledge, the following could benefit from this research:
PDRAs: PDRAs recruited to the project will benefit from formal training supplied through University centres for continuing professional development, which includes management and leadership training, and through the development of skills in metagenomics, metaproteomics, plant genetics and rhizosphere biology. These will generate future research scientists focused on rhizosphere processes with the skills required to develop and lead their own research programs.
Industry: Potential immediate impacts will result from the identification of novel microbes and/or enzymes from the rhizosphere and improved knowledge on the role of a microbial inoculant in plant nutrition. These may be of interest to biotechnology companies for use in bioprocessing or for the development of biofertilisers. Research on the genes involved in root exudate production could be of interest to breeding companies for the development of new crops with enhanced abilities to acquire P or encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in their rhizosphere. Knowledge of these rhizosphere processes could lead to the development of improved cultural practices for crop production or reduced inputs of P fertilisers, benefitting growers. Savings in input costs could be passed on to consumers. Capacity building for young researchers in the exploitation of metagenomics for discovery of novel microbial enzymes and metabolic processes which will improve UK based commercial exploration and exploitation of the uncultured microbial diversity in soil.
Public: Ultimately, potential impact will be felt by the wider society in the longer term. To feed the world's burgeoning population, agricultural production must double in the next three decades within unpredictable environmental constraints. Better understanding of how crops interact with the soil they grow in will facilitate improvements in crop varieties and growing practices to improve yields and increase the food supplied from a given area. This will contribute to agricultural sustainability and greater food security.
Increasing the efficiency with which crops acquire P could reduce inputs of P fertilisers, which will help sustain this non-renewable resource and benefit society through greater food security and lower production costs.
PDRAs: PDRAs recruited to the project will benefit from formal training supplied through University centres for continuing professional development, which includes management and leadership training, and through the development of skills in metagenomics, metaproteomics, plant genetics and rhizosphere biology. These will generate future research scientists focused on rhizosphere processes with the skills required to develop and lead their own research programs.
Industry: Potential immediate impacts will result from the identification of novel microbes and/or enzymes from the rhizosphere and improved knowledge on the role of a microbial inoculant in plant nutrition. These may be of interest to biotechnology companies for use in bioprocessing or for the development of biofertilisers. Research on the genes involved in root exudate production could be of interest to breeding companies for the development of new crops with enhanced abilities to acquire P or encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in their rhizosphere. Knowledge of these rhizosphere processes could lead to the development of improved cultural practices for crop production or reduced inputs of P fertilisers, benefitting growers. Savings in input costs could be passed on to consumers. Capacity building for young researchers in the exploitation of metagenomics for discovery of novel microbial enzymes and metabolic processes which will improve UK based commercial exploration and exploitation of the uncultured microbial diversity in soil.
Public: Ultimately, potential impact will be felt by the wider society in the longer term. To feed the world's burgeoning population, agricultural production must double in the next three decades within unpredictable environmental constraints. Better understanding of how crops interact with the soil they grow in will facilitate improvements in crop varieties and growing practices to improve yields and increase the food supplied from a given area. This will contribute to agricultural sustainability and greater food security.
Increasing the efficiency with which crops acquire P could reduce inputs of P fertilisers, which will help sustain this non-renewable resource and benefit society through greater food security and lower production costs.
People |
ORCID iD |
Mark Tibbett (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
George T
(2017)
Correction to: Organic phosphorus in the terrestrial environment: a perspective on the state of the art and future priorities
in Plant and Soil
George T
(2017)
Organic phosphorus in the terrestrial environment: a perspective on the state of the art and future priorities
in Plant and Soil
Gudeta DD
(2016)
Expanding the Repertoire of Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing Metallo-ß-Lactamases by Functional Metagenomic Analysis of Soil Microbiota.
in Frontiers in microbiology
Lidbury I
(2016)
Comparative genomic, proteomic and exoproteomic analyses of three Pseudomonas strains reveals novel insights into the phosphorus scavenging capabilities of soil bacteria
in Environmental Microbiology
Description | Collaboration with Dr Ron Smirnik at the University of Adelaide |
Organisation | University of Adelaide |
Country | Australia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Visit to lab to work on analytical possibilities for soil and rhizosphere phosphorus analysis |
Collaborator Contribution | Analysis of solution 31P samples from selected soil samples. |
Impact | None as yet |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Collaboration with Sanofi and grant from Warwick University Research Development Fund (RDF) |
Organisation | Sanofi |
Department | Sanofi Research Division |
Country | France |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Discovery of bioactive bacterial non-ribosomal peptide in a rhizosphere bacterium |
Collaborator Contribution | Interest in detailed characterization and further screening for activities unique to the peptide. |
Impact | Collaboration may provide novel antibiotic and teh study involves natural product chemists and microbiologists |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | A radio interview on soil nutrients for the Naked Scientist radio program. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A radio interview was pre-recorded on location at the University of Reading farm. The pre-recorded segment featured in the Naked Scientists radio broadcast on the 15 December 2015 in a section focused on soils entitled "Dishing the Dirt on our Soils". The program was broadcast on BBC Radio Cambs, BBC 5 Live, ABC Radio National (Australia) and is available as a podcast. This has raised the interest in the topic and plans for future contributions were discussed. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/typo3conf/ext/naksci_podcast/jplayer/player.php?podcast=10012... |
Description | Presentation at the Soil Security Program Annual Meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | A presentation outlining the objectives of the project and early findings to the Soil Security Program annual meeting held at Reading. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Presentation to the South West England Soils Discussion Group (SWESDiG) at Rothamsted North Wyke |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentation on the objectives of the project was given to the South West England Soils Discussion Group (SWESDiG) at Rothamsted, North Wyke. Approximately, 30-40 people attended. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Presentation to the UK Brassica Research Community Annual Meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentation given at the UK Brassica Research Community Annual Meeting at York attended by research scientists, policy makers and industry. Approximately 40 people were present. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Used method for part of a workshop on metagenomics network sponsored by BBSRC |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Training in methods needed for metagenomics and this included how analysis of habitat or sample total DNA, RNA and protein can be analysed for community functional studies. The primary focus was on bacteria and fungi but as proteins were analysed data was presented on total sample components including proteins from plants and animals. Purpose was to inform participants of the benefits of protein analysis and pitfalls when trying to identify proteins. Many attendees were motivated to try these new approaches. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2015,2016 |
URL | http://www.metagenomics.uk |
Description | Workshop on Organic Phosphorus in the Environment: Solutions for Phosphorus Security |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | We convened more than 100 international experts in organic P (Po) and asked them to consider the importance and benefits of Po in organisms and the environment and to identify priorities for research. It was highlighted that Po is central to a number of global issues such as food security, agricultural sustainability, environmental pollution, climate change mitigation and natural ecosystem services and biodiversity. Priorities were suggested including: the need for more integrated, quality controlled and functionally based methodologies; assessment of stoichiometry with other elements in organic matter; understanding the dynamics of Po in natural and managed systems; the role of microorganisms in controlling Po cycles; and the implications of the emerging science. Each priority is discussed and we conclude with a statement of intent for the Po research community. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |