Principal investigators: Dr. Sarah Evans; Dr. Lisa Tiemann; Dr. Maren Friesen; and Dr. Jim Cole
Associated with: US Department of Energy, Office for Biological and Environmental Research
Project Summary:
Nitrogen (N) transformations are largely mediated by microorganisms that can carry out specific functions (e.g., N-fixation or N-mineralization). The microbiome associated with the switchgrass rhizosphere is therefore a critical factor that influences the overall N-cycle in perennial biofuel cropping systems. While N is commonly thought to limit productivity in terrestrial systems emerging research suggests the aboveground biomass yields in unfertilized switchgrass plots closely match yields in fertilized plots.
Link(s): https://rhizosphere.msu.edu/