Microbiome, molecular mechanisms and sustainable technologies for agriculture

In the agriculture system, microorganisms play different roles such as promoting plant growth, decomposing soil organic matter, and cycling nutrients. However, microbial activity in the soil is also responsible for greenhouse gases emissions and therefore global warming. In addition, intensive agriculture uses large amounts of agrochemicals and fertilizers, which worsen environmental pollution and threaten human and animal health. LNBR applies a multi-disciplinary approach, including multi-omics analyses, isotopic techniques and synchrotron radiation to investigate how microorganisms can promote a sustainable agriculture.

LNBR aims an in-depth molecular understanding of how soil microbial communities affect crop yield, carbon stability and greenhouse gases emissions. Ultimately, it will provide the basis for the rational engineering of the soil microbiome that would promote plant growth and health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. LNBR also focuses on discovering new bioactive molecules and microbial platforms that could be used to develop low-carbon alternatives in substitution of fossil-based products.