Guest Editors
Elze Hesse
University of Exeter
Dr. Elze Hesse is a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow in the Environment & Sustainability Institute at the University of Exeter. Dr. Hesse is interested in studying the ecological and evolutionary drivers underpinning microbial cooperation and exploitation. Following her earlier work on the evolutionary history of plants, she became fascinated with the role of microbes in determining ecosystem and human health. Dr. Hesse relocated to the University of Exeter in Cornwall as a research fellow, where she established an independent research program. Her work uses evolutionary theory to predict how environmental challenges affect cooperation within and between different trophic levels. Understanding when and why different species cooperate allows us to predict how bacteria explore their environment and harness these interactions for our benefit.
Richard K. Tennant
University of Exeter
Dr. Richard Tennant is a senior research fellow at the University of Exeter, specializing in the development and application of molecular techniques to drive long-term, sustainable climate solutions. His research focuses on deciphering microbial interactions within their ecosystems using advanced sequencing technologies and analytical approaches.Dr. Tennant is particularly interested in developing innovative methodologies to enhance our understanding of environmental microbiomes as well as adapting techniques from other disciplines to advance environmental genomics. His work primarily explores how different agricultural practices influence soil microbiomes and their impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, Dr. Tennnat aims to identify strategies to mitigate these emissions and promote more sustainable agricultural practices.
Collection Overview
Soil is among Earth's most complex and dynamic environments, with microbiology playing a fundamental role in their function and health. Soil microbes are vital for nutrient cycling, breaking down organic matter, and releasing essential elements. They regulate carbon storage, influence climate change mitigation, and improve soil structure and function. Many microbes promote plant growth through symbiotic relationships, such as nitrogen fixation, while others suppress pathogens, reducing plant diseases. Additionally, microbes are capable of detoxifying pollutants and aiding bioremediation efforts. Without soil microbes, ecosystems would lose their ability to sustain plant life, regulate nutrients, and maintain soil health, disrupting natural and agricultural systems.
Understanding the soil microbiome's crucial role requires robust, reliable, and standardized methodologies. This collection focuses on bringing together methodological advances for characterizing the soil microbiome. Traditional microbiological characterization has laid the foundation for studying soil microbes, while next-generation sequencing has revolutionized our ability to explore this diverse community in greater depth.
Unveiling the unique functional properties of soil microbes presents exciting opportunities to discover novel solutions for agriculture, human health, and climate challenges. Expanding our knowledge of soil microbes is key to addressing some of the most pressing global issues. By harnessing microbial capabilities, we can improve soil fertility, develop sustainable agricultural practices, mitigate environmental impacts, and advance biotechnological innovations. These advanced methods will deepen our understanding of the vast, complex microbial world beneath our feet.
