Hydrologic Redistribution and Rhizosphere Microbiology of Shrubs as Resource Islands in Degraded Agro-ecosystems of the Sahel
Abstract:
The project is investigating the microbiology and hydrology of shrub-crop rhizospheres to develop sustainable agricultural systems for the ecologically fragile African Sahel.
Description:
IMPACT. 1: This is an extraordinary, cross-cultural collaboration of African and U.S. scientists conducting state-of-the-art research. This team discovered 2 local shrubs that perform rhizosphere hydrologic lift (HL) of water and significantly increase crop production in the Sahel. They are investigating beneficial microorganisms, water stress reduction, and nutrient dynamics. -- 2. Their work has shown that HL enables rhizosphere microbial communities to function and drive biogeochemical processes over the extended Sahelian dry season, changing the paradigm of how arid ecosystems function. An Advanced Training in Tropical Microbial Ecology for 40 U.S./African early-career scientists is being conducted. Three post-docs, 4 past and 4 current PhDs, and undergraduates have/are conducting research in Senegal. -- 3. Project outcomes are providing a foundation for developing biologically based agricultural systems with inter-cropped shrubs as nutrient/water reservoirs. These systems capitalize on local resources to increase food security and remediate degraded land which threatens over 37 million Sahelian acres.
OSU PARTNERS: School of Environment and Natural Resources; Department of Plant Pathology; Department of Microbiology; College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: University of California, Merced; Central State University; USDA-ARS, Oregon; University of Thies; Institut Senegalais de Recherches Agricoles; French Insitut de Recherche pour le Development
PRIMARY CONTACT: Amanda Davey (davey.22@osu.edu)
OSU PARTNERS: School of Environment and Natural Resources; Department of Plant Pathology; Department of Microbiology; College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: University of California, Merced; Central State University; USDA-ARS, Oregon; University of Thies; Institut Senegalais de Recherches Agricoles; French Insitut de Recherche pour le Development
PRIMARY CONTACT: Amanda Davey (davey.22@osu.edu)
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