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Project Code [2007-PhD-S-2]

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Project title

Assessing the impact of conventional and decision based fertilizer inputs on rhizosphere microbial diversity and activity of three commercial crops.

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Cork (UCC)

Lead Applicant

Fergal O'Gara

Project Abstract

Modern agricultural practices have increasingly become dependent on the addition of chemical fertiliser (N and P) for the return of high-yield crops, despite negative consequences like leaching and run-off. Taking account of this and the need for more sustainable crop production systems with reduced environmental pollution, this training project will incorporate ongoing research in our centre to assess the impact, of a conventional (High) & decision based (Low) management fertilizer input regime, on the rhizospheric microbial community structure of three commercial crops. With particular focus on the multitude of interacting, genotypically diverse, microorganisms involved in nitrogen cycling and phosphate utilization.

Grant Approved

�95,000.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Soils and Land-Use

Start Date

01/10/2008

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/10/2011