Microbial Integration in Soil Systems Lab

The MICSO Lab was established within the framework of the ERC Starting Grant project EcoMEMO – Ecological Memory of Extreme Drought Events in Soil Microbial Communities, funded by the European Commission (Grant 101115246).

The lab is dedicated to studying the effects of recurrent drought on soil microbes and terrestrial biogeochemical cycles, with a particular focus on the formation of microbial ecological memory.

Our research activities focus on microbial physiology, community composition, and soil functions in response to extreme events and climate change. We integrate approaches from microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, field experiments, controlled mesocosms, and dynamic modeling.

Laboratory Equipment

In addition to standard laboratory instrumentation (drying ovens, analytical balances, centrifuges, shakers, climate incubators, sterile hoods, etc.), the MICSO lab is currently equipped with:

• TOC analyzer for dissolved carbon and nitrogen in soil extracts
• High-throughput PLFA analysis system for fatty acid extraction
• Controlled-temperature incubators for microbial incubations
• Microplate reader for microbial growth kinetics, enzyme activity, and soil nutrient assays
• DNA/RNA extraction system and sample preparation for metagenomics/metatranscriptomics
• Digital PCR for quantifying target genes

Teaching, Training, and Research Activities

The lab supports the research activities of the ERC EcoMEMO project and provides training for PhD students, postdocs, and collaborators in soil experiments, microbial ecology, and biogeochemical analysis.

Services and Collaboration

While the lab does not currently offer external services, we welcome scientific collaborations aligned with the goals of the EcoMEMO project.