our mission and core activities
Dr. Timmusk and her team are world leaders in the field of microbiome plant interaction and among the founders of crop drought stress tolerance adaptation theories. She has been leading projects on integrating rhizosphere microbiomes in Africa, Israel, US, South America and in the Baltic Sea Region, focusing on developing strategies for sustainable production systems. One recent project was supported by a permit granted by the U.S Department of the Interior, to conduct research in the hottest and one of the dryest places on earth, Death Valley in California. discovering the mechanisms and interactions of microorganisms that exist there in one of the most hostile places on our planet could directly lead to solutions to various global problems facing our society, such as a shortage of resources, shortage of fertile soils, loss of biodiversity and the numerous effects of global climate change.
Our Mission
The combination of ecology, chemistry, and social science within the team enables a holistic approach to problem-solving. Community and systems ecologists contribute insights into the interactions between plants and their environments. Analytical chemists provide advanced techniques for studying biochemical processes and plant-microbe interactions. Social scientists help understand the societal impact and facilitate the adoption of innovative agricultural methods. This collaborative model encourages the development of solutions that are scientifically robust and socially relevant, paving the way for improved crop fitness and sustainable farming practices.
Integrating Water, Soil, Food, Energy Towards Sustainable Agriculture Systems
Role of Agricultural Management in Climate Change Mitigation
Effective agricultural management practices are vital in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on crop productivity. Strategies such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic amendments help build resilience in agroecosystems.
These practices not only enhance soil structure and water retention but also promote the development of diverse and functional soil microbiomes. By fostering healthy soils, agricultural managers can improve plant health, reduce the need for synthetic inputs, and sustain yields under changing climate conditions.
Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have revolutionized our understanding of soil microbiomes.
Integrating insights from soil biodiversity, heterogeneity, and advanced sequencing into agricultural management offers promising pathways for climate adaptation. By monitoring and managing soil microbial communities, professionals can develop targeted strategies that bolster ecosystem services and crop productivity.
Mitigating the effects of climate change on crop productivity requires a multifaceted approach centered on healthy soils and functional microbiomes. Agricultural professionals, researchers, and policymakers must collaborate to advance soil-friendly management practices, foster biodiversity, and leverage cutting-edge sequencing technologies. By prioritizing soil health and microbial function, the agricultural sector can build resilience, sustain yields, and ensure food security in a changing climate.