Climate Sensitivity of Microbial Processes and their Implication for Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Subtropical Pastures

The Subcontractor (Dr. Penton at Arizona State University) shall provide the research services outlined below: 1. Perform soil DNA extraction followed by quantitative PCR of functional genes involved in nitrogen and carbon cycling for both the field and laboratory components 2. Perform high throughput amplicon sequencing of total bacterial and fungal communities as well as functional communities involved in nitrous oxide reduction (nosZ) and nitrous oxide production (cnorB). 3. Perform bioinformatic analysis of the results and link microbial structure and function to soil edaphic properties and flux rates as measured by the University of Florida team. 4. Coordinate with other PIs for monthly update meetings, annual meetings, manuscript preparation, and data storage. As provided for in the USDA-AFRI, focus area Climate and Microbial Processes in Agroecosystems, Program code A3143, entitled Climate sensitivity of microbial processes and their implication for carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas fluxes in subtropical pastures.