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Participation in research projects
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DECAFUN (2016-2018): Dehesas facing global change: a multi-functional approach (CGL2015-70123-R), led by Ignacio Pérez-Ramos from IRNAS-CSIC and founded by the Spanish National Research Program. This project aimed to analyze the impact of drought and warming on soil and ecosystem processes in dehesa systems along a gradient of grazing intensity, using an experimental in-situ climate manipulation in the Valle de los Pedroches (Córdoba, South Spain).
RESTECO (2015-2017): Restoration and Ecosystem Services (CGL2014-52858-R) led by Teodoro Marañón from IRNAS-CSIC, and founded by the Spanish National Research Program This research project has four objectives developed in the Guadiamar Green Corridor (Seville, Spain): 1)To study the functional diversity of native trees and shrubs, relating the plant functional traits with the functioning of the ecosystem; 2)To evaluate the capacity for phytostabilization of contaminated soils by different tree species, their capacities to accumulate trace elements (TE), either in leaves or in roots, and their effects on the bioavailability of TE in soil; 3)To evaluate the capacity to sequester carbon in soil by different tree species, their C stock in litter and roots, and in the microbian biomass, estimating the losses by soil respiration; 4) To propose models for restoration and remediation of degraded soils in Mediterranean environments.
RECARE (2013-2018): Preventing and Remediating Degradation of Soils in Europe through Land Care, founded by the European Comission (7th FP), led by Wagenigen University and involving 17 European Institutions. The aim of this project is to develop effective prevention, remediation and restoration measures using an innovative trans-disciplinary approach, actively integrating and advancing knowledge of stakeholders and scientists in 17 case Studies, covering a range of soil threats in different bio-physical and socio-economic environments across Europe. For Southern Europe, the soil threat analyzed was soil contamination by trace elements.
BIORESMED (2015-2017): Valorisation of Waste and Plants for the Revegetation of Degraded Soils under Mediterranean Conditions (AGL2014-55717-R). , led by Engracia Madejón and Paula Madejón from IRNAS-CSIC. The main objective was to find a sustainable solution for the recovery of marginal soils (degraded and contaminated) using amendments derived from organic and inorganic wastes and fast-growing plant species adapted to degraded soils under Mediterranean conditions. The use of native herbs and shrub species adapted to these conditions would allow the establishment of energy crops on these soils with minimal maintenance costs, enhancing their sustainability and contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions, in agreement with European environmental policies. Given that food production is not profitable or not allowed in degraded soils, biofuel production could represent a valuation opportunity for these soils, which might promote the revegetation of degraded lands, and in addition, the phytostabilization of soil contamination.
BIOGEOBIRD (2011-2014): Biogeochemical alterations by wading birds in Mediterranean terrestrial ecosystems. Proyecto de Excelencia RNM-4987. Junta de Andalucía. PI: Dr. Luis V. García (IRNAS-CSIC). The project foccused on soil biogeochemistry in decaying cork oak forests from the Doñana. In this area, tree decay is enhanced by soil degradation processes (salinization and eutrophication) which are associated to the existence of large colonies of protected wading birds using the forest as nesting sites. Over three years we analyzed the biogeochemical alterations in the soils from the Doñana National Park due to soil salinization and eutrophication. Main findings included the observation of remarkable changes in the activity (basal respiration, enzyme activity, physiological profiles) and the diversity (TRFLP-fingerprint) of the soil microbial communities in the decaying forests due to these soil degradation factors, which revelead direct consequences of nature conservation practices on soil functioning that are usually overlooked.
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