Systems Biology in Ecology & Agriculture
The key motivation underlying the research in the group is the development of data-guided strategies for the educated design of indigenous communities in agro-ecosystems.
To this end, we apply and develop computational models for predicting and understanding the networks of interactions formed within microbial communities by analyzing meta/genomics data. Using our tools we can delineate trophic dependencies, exchanges, competitive and cooperative interactions within natural microbial communities and use simulations for predicting potential routes for the optimization of predefined functions.
Our research projects demonstrate the application of metabolic network approaches for the analysis of genomic and metagenomics data in agricultural systems toward the development of sustainable practices.
Research projects concern various aspects of microbial activity that are of agricultural and/or environmental significance. Most projects concern carbon cycling by microbial communities. Hence, they are outlined here along a "carbon processing" arrow: Uptake of complex carbohydrates and other contaminants by microbial activity is the focus of projects under "Bioremediation". Then, various projects concerning the effect of microbial community function on soil health, focusing on (mainly carbon) exchanges in native microbiomes. Finally, C1 gases mark an end point of carbon utilization by significant parts of the biosphere. Emissions profile is critical concerning both environmental and economic aspects – can we harness native microbiomes for the optimization of these processes in situ?
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Development of a simulation platform for enhancing biodegradation of hydrocarbons in soil and wasteland
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BTEX contaminants
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Pesticides in soil
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Design of organic soil amendment treatments for ARD
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Suppression of post-harvest pathogens.
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Optimization of Phosphorous utilization
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Trophic interactions with mesofauna
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Upgrading waste-derived biogas production
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Management of GHG in wetlands
Network is calling? Come and join us!
From the BARD newsletter, watch the video explaining how we use metagenomics for reducing unpredictability in soil amendment research to benefit agricultural crops.
Watch the lecture held for Volcani Center 100 years anniversary event (Hebrew):
Genomics in the service of agriculture and the environment.
Listen to the podcast (Hebrew)
Wrote on us:
Microbial design: Microbial Consortium Design Benefits from Metabolic Modeling.
Projects we take part in: