Description

This research line studies the effects of adding compost and different types of waste, such as ashes from biomass boilers or biochar from vine pruning, on degraded soils. This research line focuses on the impact of these additions in the microbiological properties and enzymatic capacity of soils, and in the chemical features of organic matter. Among others, the offered services are the following: • To study soils and their features, both fundamental and applied aspects, focusing on Castilla y León's soils. • To promote the solution of possible environmental problems about forest and/or agricultural management regarding soils. • To go in depth into the dynamics of soil organic matter, from the perspective of both soil quality and fertility, as well as carbon storage and the fight against climate change. • To analyze the content, forms and evolution of several soil nutrients. • To assess the impact of diverse soil improvers on soils and their quality. • To integrate the soil aspect in wider studies that take into account plants, water, etc. • To develop and to apply indicators and criteria for soil quality assessment and its improvement. • To collaborate in the development of strategies against soil degradation and for soil conservation, recovery and improvement. • To assess soil's capacity to undertake its functions, both environmental and socioeconomic. • To analyze the consequences of land use and management change on soil properties. • To study the effect of terroir on wines. • To generate and pass on new knowledge on soil to both students and the whole society.

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