Microcosms
Several microcosm experiments were conducted to understand the factors influencing root growth, microbial activity, and nutrient utilization in the subsoil, as well as interactions among these factors:
- subsoil-derived arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their influence on iron uptake by spring barley
- biopores generated by earthworms, and their pore lining
- water content or penetration resistance of the soil
- crop genotypes (tested so far for spring barley, winter wheat and oats)
- contact between root (hair) and soil within the biopores
- influence of nutrient availability on isotope fractionation
- composition of the compost incorporated into the subsoil
