Structuring and functionality of the microbiome in soils under the use of roch dust

• Grant number: 23/00326-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Dini Andreote
• Grantee: Rafael Lima Oliveira
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Population growth accompanied by increased demand for food has driven countries to develop more sustainable agricultural systems. To meet these needs, in addition to developing and improving technologies, countries need to reuse the waste generated. Although it is an old practice, the use of rock dust is on the rise due to studies related to its ability to chemically, physically and biologically condition the soil. However, regarding the microbiological aspects, there are still gaps that need to be filled regarding the use of these materials. Thus, in this work, we propose to understand how the structure and functionality of the microbiome occurs in soils using rock dust. For this, we will carry out two studies, study 1 in agricultural soils with a history of using rock dust and study 2 in a greenhouse using three rock powders, four doses and two soils with different textures. Despite the two studies having their particularities, they complement each other, as they aim to evaluate how, over time of use of rock dust, the taxonomic structure of the microbiome, as well as the functionalities, occurs. From these studies, it will be possible to understand the multifunctionality of the microorganisms involved in the weathering of rock dust and the results obtained can be used as decision-making on the management of these materials in agricultural areas, contributing to the development of an agriculture that recognizes the role of microbiome as an important part of the path to sustainable development.