METABOLISM AND EXUDATION OF COVER CROPS AND EFFECTS ON SOIL HEALTH

The overall objective of this project is to characterize the metabolism and exudation for several cover crop species used in Colorado, and the effects of small molecule exudation on soil health, including shifting the soil microbiome. We hypothesize that: (1) there is significant variation in metabolism and exudate composition between different cover crop species relevant to US agriculture; (2) species specific plant exudate effects will lead to variation in microbial community function; and (3) these changes in the soil microbiome directly and indirectly influence soil health. These hypotheses will be tested as outlined in the following objectives:The root exudate profiles from model cover crop species will be characterized in a laboratory system.The microbial community genomic potential and expressed pathways responding to differences in root exudates will be deciphered in laboratory microcosms.The direct and legacy effect of cover crop species on the microbial community function and soil health will be quantified in an agricultural field.