EVALUATING METAL IMPACTS ON SOIL-MICROBE-PLANT INTERACTIONS IN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

The goal of this project is to assess and evaluate soil Cu and Pb accumulation and impacts on microorganisms relevant to profitable and safe vegetable production through laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments. Specifically, the proposed work will: 1.Assess soil Cu and Pb concentrations in relevant cropping systems, with a focus on cucurbit production (Cu) and vegetable production in Chicago community and home gardens (Pb); 2.Identify soil concentrations of Cu and Pb at which hypothesized negative impacts on soil-microbe interactions and plant health occur; and 3.Test mechanisms behind Cu and Pb impacts on soil-microbe interactions,including microbes relevant to plant health as pathogens or crop mutualists.