Activities description of Emerging Field:

Microbiology, Soil science, Food quality and Agricultural genetics (OBSIDIAN)

The main aim of the Emerging Field „Soil science, microbiology, agricultural genetics and food quality” is to recognize complex interactions between the soil environment, microorganisms, and plants that are responsible for the production and quality of food.

The scientific activities of the members in Emerging Field focus on: (i) the interactions between soil and other environmental components under antropogenic pressure conditions; (ii) the biodiversity of microorganisms and the influence of negative abiotic factors caused by the changing climate or anthropogenic activity; (iii) the plant-associated microorganisms (e.g., rhizospheric and endophytic) that can significantly stimulate the growth of plants and increase their tolerance to unfavorable environmental conditions, such as drought, high salinity or nutrients deficiency; (iv) understanding the genetic basis of interactions between plants and microorganisms and their phenotypic plasticity; (v) improvement of technologies used in food production. As a result of the conducted research, unique and innovative technological solutions will be developed for the advancement of agriculture and food production.

Emerging Field is an interdisciplinary project bringing together scientists from three Faculties of Nicolaus Copernicus University: Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry and  Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management. The priority tasks cover the following scientific disciplines: microbiology, agricultural engineering, botany and plant physiology, nutritional sciences, food technology, and soil science. The scientific motivation of our interdisciplinary team broadly understands international cooperation and the education of young staff and is open to working in scientific institutions and the private sector.