Soil Microbiology and Microbial Ecology

Marie, Steve, John, and Aaron collected rhizosphere/bulk soil samples and root exudates from three varieties of Kernza intermediate wheatgrass. Multiple active wildfires were visible from the OSU Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center as sampling was underway. Exudates and fresh root samples will be sent to the Prenni Lab at Colorado State University to determine whether intermediate wheatgrass domestication has altered belowground root carbon inputs to soil. Meanwhile, the Schaedel Lab will analyze microbial functional gene abundances in rhizosphere and bulk soil.

And we’re off! The Schaedel Lab collected an inaugural set of soil samples as part of an effort to survey diverse potato fields across the Pacific Northwest. Between sampling, the crew stopped by the Sage Center in Hermiston, OR, to learn about how potatoes are processed once they leave the field.