Slovenian Soil Atlas

This project embodies our core approach of combining field-based observations with controlled laboratory research. We will generate the foundational knowledge needed to guide microbiomes toward optimized functional states in agricultural systems.

Research Objectives

Our comprehensive approach will:

Map Microbial Diversity: Using advanced genomics and metabolomics approaches, we will characterize the bacterial and fungal communities across Slovenia's diverse agricultural soils, identifying key microbial groups that contribute to soil health and crop productivity.

Understand Ecological Mechanisms: By integrating multi-year agronomic, pedographic, and climatic data, we will uncover the mechanisms that drive microbiome assembly and function in different agricultural contexts.

Develop Predictive Models: Advanced modeling will reveal how microbial communities influence soil properties, nutrient cycling, and crop resilience under varying environmental conditions.

Applications in Sustainable Agriculture

This atlas will serve as a crucial resource for:

Precision Microbiome Management: Enabling targeted application of beneficial microorganisms suited to specific soil conditions and crop systems

Climate Adaptation: Identifying microbial strategies that enhance drought tolerance and stress resistance in agricultural systems

Sustainable Intensification: Developing biological solutions that reduce reliance on synthetic inputs while maintaining productivity

From Understanding to Application

The atlas represents more than a descriptive catalog—it's a functional tool for agricultural transformation. By understanding the ecological principles that govern soil microbiome assembly and function, we can develop evidence-based strategies to manipulate and guide these communities toward desired states that support sustainable agricultural productivity.

Research Impact

This project will establish Slovenia as an important player in agricultural microbiome research while providing practical solutions for farmers facing the challenges of climate change and sustainable intensification. The atlas will serve as a living resource, continuously informing research and applications in microbiome-guided agriculture.

Through this work, we continue our mission to uncover the mechanisms that drive microbiome ecology and evolution, translating these insights into tools that support a sustainable bioeconomy for the future.