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Soil-science - a systems-based approach In soils, biological, chemical and physical systems interact at a range of spatio-temporal scales, providing opportunities for multi- and inter-disciplinary science. This generates exciting challenges, centred on understanding the processes of interaction between the biotic and abiotic components of soils, crop plants and livestock, and their interaction with the wider environment. But soil-system science requires an holistic understanding to analyse and predict the complexity of the biological, chemical and physical systems that underpin soil function. This can only be resolved if soil scientists collaborate with other disciplines. The basic hypothesis of the Programme is that better understanding and quantification of the biodiversity and the biotic and abiotic processes that occur in soils will deliver more sustainable land management practices. The programme aims to deliver this by focusing on the five direct key objectives described above, developed through the five linked Work Packages (WPs) described below, each with its own PI(s) . Work Package 1. Develop and apply novel techniques to understand the biology and function of soil organisms or communities that mediate the processes of biogeochemical cycling (water, nutrients and pollutants) and pollutant removal. Work Package 2. Elucidate how carbon-derived energy drives biogeochemical cycles and food webs in the soil-plant system. Work Package 3 . Explore and model the physical and biological architecture of soils and the spatio-temporal interactions between soil-inhabiting organisms (including plants), molecules and particles. Work Package 4. Measure and model the spatial and temporal variation of biogeochemical cycles across a range of scales from rhizosphere through catchment to global. Work Package 5. Quantify t he critical role of the rhizosphere and its microflora and fauna on plant productivity through their influence on disease expression and suppression, and nutrient availability.
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