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N2-fixing woody symbioses of Kenya : research toward sustainable revegetation and enhanced soil productivity in arid and semi-arid zones

Obiettivo



The overall objective of this proposal is to understand how to achieve, in E. Africa, sustainable revegetation based on natural N2-inputs with optimum use of available water. It is the logical extension of our now-ending STD project in Kenya. This multidisciplinary research of tree-dominated plant communities is based on our own E. African research as well as on published work and personal communications of other experts.
N and Water are the most commonly growth-limiting factors in arid areas. We propose to extend our investigations of the N and water relations of E. African forestry through a multi-disciplinary approach of: microbial, molecular, whole-plant studies (Frankia & rhizobial symbioses) and the newest tool for environmental studies,natural abundance levels of the stable isotopes of C, N, &H.
The microbial and molecular studies will lead to a better understanding and management of this N-input to ecosystems. Both rhizobia and Frankia symbioses are important N2-fixers in the arid tropics. The stable isotopes work has two main roles: (1) self-standing study of N-cycling and water relations alongside advancement in the already valuable interpretations of stable isotope signatures in nature; and (2) a liaison and service role linking the microbial, whole plant, and ecosystems approaches, as well as evaluating the success, in nature, of microbial whole plant field trials by estimating the amounts of atmospheric N2-fixation and the water costs.
The experimentation will include laboratory, glasshouse and field trials. New field plots in Scotland and Spain, analogous to Kenyan plots, add comparisons, cost-effective backups, and a newly emdhasized European dimension. Mathematical modelling will be added to the continuing isotope studies.

This is an aggregate proposal, which has been provisionally costed. We invite comments on the several parts.

Argomento(i)

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Invito a presentare proposte

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Meccanismo di finanziamento

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinatore

Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI)
Contributo UE
Nessun dato
Indirizzo
Invergowrie
DD2 5DA Dundee
Regno Unito

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Costo totale
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Partecipanti (3)