BIOFECTOR

Participant 01 a:   

University of Hohenheim
Institute of Crop Sciences
Nutritional Crop Physiology (UHOHa)

BIOFECTOR Project coordinator:
Prof. Dr. Günter Neumann Stuttgart-Hohenheim,
 Germany

The research lines covered by this group comprise molecular characterisation of nutrient uptake and regulatory aspects of root growth and root physiology. The rhizosphere research team lead by Prof. Dr. Günter Neumann has an outstanding reputation in the characterisation of root secretions and adaptive root-induced modifications of the root-soil interface (rhizosphere) as key factors for plant nutrient acquisition, with special emphasis on phosphate and micronutrients. Competence in bio-effector research is reflected by a long-lasting 20-years history of industrial research co-operations, with focus on the fate and function of bio-effectors to reduce fertilizer input. 

Tasks: Scientific coordination and management of the project as a whole; leadership of WP08 (international field testing network); focus on measurements of root growth, rhizosphere chemistry and root physiology.

Team members:
  

Prof. Dr. Uwe Ludewig Chair Nutritional Crop Physiology		Dr. Markus Weinmann Coordination of WP08		Nino F. Weber Dipl.agr.Biol. PhD Student

Dr. Klara Bradacova		PhD Student Narges Moradtalab		PhD Student Isaac Mpanga

BIOFECTOR

Participant 01 b: 
  
University of Hohenheim
Institute of Crop Sciences

Fertilisation and Soil Matter Dynamics (UHOHb)

Chair: Prof. Dr. Torsten Müller
Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany


The main research focus of the group is the optimisation of mineral and organic fertiliser application to reduce environmental risks in and to increase the economical benefit of sustainable agricultural production systems. Within this context, optimisation of fertilisation strategies to reduce fertilizer losses by leaching and greenhouse gas emissions, fertiliser placement close to the roots, the use of alternative fertilizers based on recycling products and the perspectives for integration of bio-effectors to improve nutrient use efficiency are investigated on the field scale and in on-farm research approaches. Experiments under controlled environmental conditions are conducted to understand underlying mechanisms. Another focus is on soil humus management and turnover of soil organic matter including modelling of related processes under different framework conditions including climate change. 

Tasks: Involvement in WP06 (use bio-effectors in combination with recycling fetilisers for fertilizer placement), WP07 (use of bio-effectors to optimize placement strategies with mineral fertilisers) and WP08 (contribution to the international field testing network).

Team Member:

 

		Peteh Mehdi Nkebiwe M.Sc.  PhD. Student

   
BIOFECTOR 

Participant 01 c: 

 University of Hohenheim Institute of Soil Science and Land Evaluation
Soil Biology (UHOHc)

Chair: Prof. Dr. Ellen Kandeler, Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany

The research group of Prof. Ellen Kandeler covers a wide range of topics in soil biology, environmental microbiology and microbial ecology. Research focus is the influence of soil microorganisms on cycling of soil carbon and mineral nutrients on different scales, starting with the molecular level and single organisms up to microbial communities and whole Habitats.

Tasks: The group will particularly contribute to the functional characterization of plant-associated microbial communities upon the introduction of bio-effectors by application biochemical, microbiological and molecular techniques. The available expertise will also facilitate up-scaling of results to the field level. Involvement in WP03, 05, 06 and 07.
 
 

Marie Uksa		Yulduzkhon Abdullaeda		Dinah Reinhardt

 BIOFECTOR 

Participant 01 d:

University of Hohenheim

Chair: Prof. Dr. Enno Bahrs, Stuttgart-Hohenheim

The Institute of Farm Management is part of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Hohenheim. The Farm Management Division focuses its research fields on: microeconomic evaluation of agricultural and environmental measures using farm and regional models and analyses and evaluation of the potential of agricultural supply for bio-energy usage. During the recent years, the emphasis of research work has shifted particularly towards resolving the dichotomy between ecology and economy. The group has comprehensive experience in modeling production costs with regard to agricultural commodities, considering ecological aspects such as carbon footprints and carbon mitigation costs. It also has experience in national and international accounting systems, as well as taxation and valuation of agricultural goods.

Tasks: Leader of WP09 and responsible for the economic evaluation of bio-effector-based fertilization strategies developed within the project with special emphasis on relationships between ecology and economy.

Team member:

Dr. Beate Zimmermann

University Hohenheim