Projects
Optimal fertilization in organic vegetable cultivation through a more accurate estimate of the N effect of the basic fertilizer and the N exemption from soil organic matter Ghent University
This project aims to determine the influence of the soil condition on the organic matter balance and thus on the availability
based on the effect of the basic fertilization and the degradation of soil organic matter (BOS). It
project focuses on organic vegetable cultivation, because the need for efficiency gains in dealing with nitrogen
(N) is largest in this subdivision. ...
Soil management, organic matter turnover and soil fertility in organic cropping systems Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
We are investigating how organic matter turnover can be ameliorated by proper soil management to improve soil fertility and healthy crop development. Soil fertility is a major topic in organic cropping systems because it is decisive for nutrient availability and conservation. Growth medium characteristics affect rooting and soil biology, which in turn affect nutrient uptake.
Research ...
Transport of dissolved organic matter from soils to surface water in agricultural areas: identifying and modeling the pathways and processes. KU Leuven
The interplay between microalgal biology and flocculation: the influence of cell surface properties and excreted organic matter on flocculation of microalgae. KU Leuven
Microalgae are considered as one of the most promising new sources of biomass for food, feed, biofuels and bulk chemicals. Despite of their potential, a major challenge is efficiently harvesting these unicellular organisms. Microalgae have a small size and a high colloidal stability. Flocculation is considered to be a low-cost and a low-energy technology for harvesting microalgae. But flocculation of living microalgae differs from ...
Interference of algal organic matter (AOM) with microalgae flocculation: influence of AOM properties on floc chararteristics and the consequences for harvesting microalgal biomass using sedimentation and flotation Hasselt University
Phosphorus uptake of upland rice genotypes as affected by organic matter application in phosphorus deficient soils: a physiological and agronomic approach KU Leuven
Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major yield-limiting factor for upland rice in regions where highly weathered, acid soils prevail. Such soils contain large concentrations of iron- and aluminum hydroxides that strongly immobilize phosphate (PO4). Breeding P-efficient rice genotypes may offer an option to overcome P deficiency. The P uptake capacity of a plant under low P availability, termed P acquisition efficiency (PAE), can be enhanced by ...
Indirect control of soil texture on decomposition of organic matter by mediation of the soil moisture balance - expansion of a field experiment with the factor soil drainage/capillary rise and 13C-pulse-labelling Ghent University
Soils function central ecosystem compartments as emitter of greenhouse gases, reservoir of
nutrients and carbon, water and biota. The dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM) are interlinked
with local as well as global biogeochemical cycles and its study is a research topic of high relevance
agriculturally and environmentally. One key determinant of soil microbial activity is soil texture with
enhanced physical ...
The impact of iron-dissolved organic matter colloids on the fate and bioavailability of trace metals and phosphorus in surface water. KU Leuven
Phosphorus (P) is a limiting nutrient in many aquatic ecosystems. In agriculture, P is present in fertilizer and in animal manure. Widespread and intensive use of fertilizer and animal manure cause diffuse P emissions to the environment, leading to eutrophication of water bodies and impaired water quality. The fate of P in natural waters is strongly linked to that of iron (Fe) bearing particles, to which P can bind. Streams contain ...
Characterisation and bioavailability of organic matter at the basis of marine foodwebs Ghent University
The amount and bioavailability of organic matter that reaches the bottom of the sea is an important structurig factor for the trophic composition of benthic communities. To determine the quality of organic matter a Victor3 multilabel reader will be used. This reader allows different measurements of food sources including cell quantification, cell conditions, enzymatic activity, protein measurements.