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Field calibration of soil-core microcosms: Ecosystem structural and functional comparisons.
H Bolton1, J K Fredrickson, J M Thomas
1Environmental Sciences Department, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, Washington, USA.
Microbial Ecology
|November 7, 2013
Summary
Soil-core microcosms can assess genetically engineered microorganisms. Growth chamber microcosms simulating field temperatures better predicted field responses than lab-based ones.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Biotechnology risk assessment
- Soil ecology
Background:
- Intact soil-core microcosms are proposed for assessing ecological impacts of genetically engineered microorganisms.
- Calibration is crucial to ensure microcosms simulate field conditions accurately.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare soil-core microcosms with field conditions for ecological response to Pseudomonas sp. RC1.
- To evaluate microcosm accuracy in predicting field behavior of introduced rhizobacteria.
Main Methods:
- Inoculated intact soil-core microcosms (lab at 22°C, growth chamber with fluctuating temps) and field systems (lysimeters, plots) with Pseudomonas sp. RC1.
- Assessed effects on wheat rhizoplane microbial populations (total/fluorescent pseudomonads, heterotrophs, diversity).
- Measured ecosystem functions: soil dehydrogenase activity, plant biomass, and nitrogen fertilizer uptake.
Main Results:
- Pseudomonas sp. RC1 reduced fluorescent pseudomonads on wheat rhizoplane in both microcosms and field.
- Growth chamber microcosms showed optimal microbial growth (higher heterotrophs, greater diversity) mimicking field conditions.
- Ecosystem functions varied across systems; alfalfa addition stimulated dehydrogenase activity more in microcosms than the field.
Conclusions:
- Growth chamber microcosms simulating field temperatures are superior predictors of field ecological responses compared to constant 22°C incubations.
- Microcosm calibration is essential for reliable ecological risk assessment of microbial introductions.
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