Project Scientist
Effects of root functional traits on plant-microbial interactions regulating nitrogen cycling and use efficiency
Email: aleptin@ucdavis.edu
Education
- PhD - Soil Science, Lincoln University, New Zealand
- MSc - Agricultural Sciences, Soil sciences Major, University of Hohenheim, Germany
- BSc - Environmental Sciences, Geoecology Major, University of Oldenburg, Germany
Research Interests
I am interested in understanding the mechanisms of plant-soil-microbe interactions, how these interactions drive element cycling, and how humans influence these dynamics. Previously, I have studied how plant-derived carbon inputs, for example from rhizodeposits, affects soil nitrogen cycling in grazed pasture systems. My current research work investigates the effects of plant-driven shifts in nutrient allocation and plant-microbe interactions on nitrogen cycling and plant nitrogen acquisition in the grass rhizosphere. Specifically, I am studying the mechanisms of plant functional traits, such as root exudate chemistry, on the structure of rhizosphere microbial communities and the consequential effects on nitrogen use efficiency of bioenergy crops grown in organic and low fertility systems.