By working with the team of Dimension, we would like to study functional dynamics of below ground microbes in association with microbial-plant co-introduction and co-invasion. Here we use plantation pine-EMF interaction as our system.

lyIn collaboration with Dr. Luke Flory, Dr. JiangXiao Qiu and Dr. Basil Iannone, we develop a project to understand how climate change interacts with invasive cogongrass (invasive) species to affect forest ecosystem and ecosystem services. The team enjoyed the sampling in March 2018 (pre-fired sites), and the sites were burnt recent and we plan to have post-fired collection soon next Month!!

Pre-fired, firing and Post fired of our sites

In collaboration with Dr. Zane Grabau, Dr. David Wright, and Dr. Ian Small, we conduct the research and extension projects on Sod-Based Rotation sites to seek to understand the dynamics of soil organisms as affected by the integrated management strategies.

Albert, Zane, Lukas and Jimmy were using geo-probe to collect soil samples up to 48 inches deep.

Lesley, the graduate student of Entomology and Nematology Department, will investigate the population of nematode collected from Sod Based sites. 

Jimmy showed people how to prepare spawn and straw substrates and how to inoculate the oyster mushroom fungi.

Our Stand: Share the information regarding the soil fungi. The fun events including presenting the protocol for oyster mushroom culturing home, sending the pine kit to let kids observe and learn mycorrhizae.

​Sunny, Cheryl, Victor and Jimmy held a sand to share information regarding soil nutrient value in associated with biodiversity and management strategies (related link).