We investigate how management measures such as the application of various types of organic matter, adapting rotations, organic farming, reduced tillage, irrigation management, crop residue management and agrochemicals influence carbon storage, nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency and losses. Our goal is to promote the natural processes and functions of the soil, in order to ensure the services of the soil for society in a sustainable manner and with low resource input (e.g. fertiliser, pesticides).
We are investigating the interactions between microbes and plants at the molecular level, and evaluating the mechanisms underlying plant-microbe interactions. The knowledge will help in the development of successful biological agents and plant growth stimulators boosting crop resiliency under abiotic and biotic stress conditions in a sustainable manner.
Endophytes of medicinal plants, metabolites Endophytes that live inside plant tissues act as reservoirs of novel bioactive secondary metabolites. Our research interest is to study the biodiversity of endophytes and understand the mechanistic basis of host–endophyte relationship and the production of bioactive compounds.
Biochar as soil amendment Biochar as a product of a thermal degradation of organic materials (biomass) in the absence of oxygen (pyrolysis) is used as a soil amendment. My research focused on the understanding the role of biochar application on the organic matter decomposition processes and nutrient turnover in agro-ecosystems. W develop management options for sustainable, humus-building and biodiversity-securing soil and land use systems.
Endophytes of medicinal plants, metabolites Endophytes that live inside plant tissues act as reservoirs of novel bioactive secondary metabolites. Our research interest is to study the biodiversity of endophytes and understand the mechanistic basis of host–endophyte relationship and the production of bioactive compounds.
My research focus on the interaction between nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria and legumes such as chickpea, alfalfa, soybean, and lentil in order to determine the impact of abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity effect on their symbiotic interaction.