Developing Novel Methods to Trace Root-Derived Soil Organic Carbon

Developing novel methods to trace root-derived soil organic carbon Roots are particularly efficient in building soil organic carbon, but the specific root properties that favor carbon storage are not well-understood. The goal of this study is to develop novel methods to trace root C into soil organic C. This emerging science will be applied in future field trials evaluating the effect of root traits on soil organic C and persistence. The current proposed collaboration with Dr. Hanna Poffenbarger and Dr. Dave McNear (Brian Rinehart’s advisors at University of Kentucky) is to begin method development on tracing root biochemical phenotype-derived SOC with the use of 13C stable isotope labeled root tissue. This requires a two-year field experiment beginning in 2020 that involves routine field sampling and expertise in soil science. This experiment could be scaled to test Salk developed varieties when ready. With the help of Salk funding, Brian Rinehart will manage this experiment and publish the results with Salk co-authors in addition to providing valuable data on new methods to trace root phenotype-derived SOC that would support the hypotheses for Salk Ideal Plants.