Mechanisms of diversified cropping systems in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through changes in microbial communities.

• Grant number: 24/15399-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Regular Grants
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Simone Raposo Cotta
• Grantee: Simone Raposo Cotta
• Principal researcher abroad: Weiming Yan
• Institution abroad: Northwest A&F University, China
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Lucas Pecci Canisares ; Maurício Roberto Cherubin ; Yangquanwei Zhong ; Zhouping Shangguan

Abstract

This research proposal aims to address the timely important challenge of reducing greenhousegas (GHG) emissions in agricultural systems, particularly in China and Brazil, which aresignificant contributors to global emissions. The study focuses on diversified planting systems,specifically integrated grain-cover crop systems, which have the potential to enhance soil carbonsequestration and mitigate N¿O emissions. However, the mechanisms underlying thesereductions, particularly those related to root exudates and their interactions with soilmicroorganisms, remain poorly understood. To address this gap, the project will investigate theeffects of different diversified planting systems on GHG emissions, with a focus on the types androles of root metabolites in these agroecosystems. The research will explore how metabolitesinfluence nitrogen-cycling microorganisms and related functional genes, thereby impacting N¿Oemissions. Field studies will be conducted in both China and Brazil, comparing GHG emissionsand soil microbial communities under various cropping systems, including those incorporatingcover crops. By integrating metabolomic, microbiological, and genomic analyses, this study aimsto elucidate the complex interactions between crop root exudates and soil microorganisms. Thefindings will provide a scientific basis for optimizing diversified planting systems to promoteGHG emission mitigation, offering regionally adaptable strategies for sustainable agriculture.Effective collaboration research could help build diversified planting monitoring networks,deepen long-term cooperation between the teams, and jointly promote the development ofsustainable low-carbon intelligent agriculture in China and Brazil. (AU)