Development of a metagenomics toolbox for a comprehensive understanding of microbial functions in soil and water to improve knowledge based forest resilience solutions

Funding period: 2020-2024
Lead: Christine Martineau
Total GRDI funding: $374,410

Microbial communities in soils carry out a multitude of processes that underlie many ecosystem functions such as fertility and climate regulation. Similarly, the communities of microorganisms found in water are a vital determinant of water quality and the food webs that sustain aquatic ecosystems. Despite their fundamental ecological roles, the functions of most microbial taxa remain unclear because they fail to be cultivated under laboratory conditions. The objective of the 'metagenomic toolbox' is to develop tools allowing for both taxonomic and functional characterization of microbial communities in soil and water. The two main approaches currently being developed are shotgun metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. These tools will allow to assess and protect microbial functions in forest ecosystems and lead to the development of knowledge based forest resilience solutions, therefore contributing to the environmental performance of the forest sector. As a proof of concept, this project will identify solutions for maintaining/enhancing soil carbon storage in boreal forests, which in turn could have environmental and economic impacts.