MUSCOLO Adele Maria

Since 1988 my research investigates connections between soil chemistry, biochemistry and function in regulating ecosystem-level processes. Because I focus on quantifiable material common to many ecosystems, my interests are not limited to any one environment. Consequently, the setting for my research includes forests, managed ecosystems (e.g. tree nurseries), grasslands, as well as urban environments, which welcomes collaborations across a range of disciplines. My research is hypothesis-driven and tends toward experimental discovery, as opposed to descriptive observation. The goal is to conduct research to provide innovative solutions for soil management that will increase profitable crop production and ensure soil and environmental quality. Knowledge derived from my research activities is disseminated to the scientific community and industry, and used to develop management guidelines, recommendations and tools for sound soil management. • Dynamic and evolution of organic matter in forest soil and effects of humic substances separated in fractions (different molecular weight and composition) on seed germination, plant growth and metabolism. Relationship between soil organic matter (labile and recalcitrant C fractions) and soil biodiversity in driving soil ecosystem functioning. • Role of water-soluble phenolic compounds (WSP) in influencing the accumulation and availability of soil nutrients and the rate of nutrient cycling in forest ecosystem. Effects of WSP on seed germination, seedling growth and metabolism. • Effects of forest management, waste disposal and environmental constraints on soil properties, organic matter trend, microbial biomass, nutrient cycles and enzyme activities. • Identification of biochemical markers to be routinely used and applicable to most ecosystems as early warning indicators of soil quality changes. • Effects of abiotic stress (salinity, drought and heat) on seed germination, seedling growth and metabolism. Studies on the physiological biochemical and adaptive response of plants to different environmental constraints, considering their productive response and effects on soil properties. Halophytes used as crops, including bioenergy, for the restoration and rehabilitation of salinized or contaminated soils. • Use of polluting recalcitrant agricultural wastes (olive wastes and citrus pulps), and inorganic sulfur obtained from the residues of the desulfurization of natural gas and oil, as fertilizers for a sustainable recovery of saline and alkaline soils, and for an eco-friendly agriculture. • Relationship between microbial ecology and plant physiology. Plants respond to environmental factors by altering growth and longevity of fine roots, which, in part, control the amount and types of organic substrates available for microbial metabolism in soil. Changes in belowground plant growth influence the composition and function of soil microbial communities. My work is focused on understanding the link between plant and microbial activity within terrestrial ecosystems, and the influence climate change may have on these dynamics. • Improving food quality in terms of bioactive compounds by using waste as bio-stimulant in crop species. Agro-industrial wastes have been used composted, crude (linked with sulfur-bentonite) and after anaerobic digestion (digestate) to increase soil fertility and plant quality.