Microbiome-Soil-Plant interactions (IMiSPla)

Group created in January 2017, following the merger of three groups of the Soil Biochemistry department (Soil Enzymology, Soil Microbiology and Nutrient cycling in the soil-plant system). The team's research focuses on the study of the soil-plant-microorganism system and its contribution to ecosystem services. More specifically, the group is currently focusing its research on: 1. Development and testing of the effects on soil of environmentally friendly flame retardants to be used in forest fires. 2. Phytomining, a technique that uses certain plants to extract metals of high economic or strategic value from metal enriched soils/substrates. 3. Evaluation of crop management practices in vineyards and fodder maize plantations with the aim of maintaining the quantity and quality of production, while preserving or even improving soil quality. Since the incorporation of JM Mirás in January 2024, a new line on soil water balance and irrigation was opened.