Who are we?

The Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Microbiology started as a collaborative effort between Josef Görres and José Amador  in the Dept. of Natural Resources Science at the University of Rhode Island in 1995. There are currently five people associated with the lab: Prof. Amador, M.S. student Joe Fetter, Research Associate Janet Atoyan., and undergraduate research assistants Jessie Dyer and Ed Avizinis. Prof. Gorres, now at the University of Vermont, continues to collaborate with the lab.

What do we do?

Our research interests span many aspects of soil ecology and microbiology, Fundamentally, we are interested in understanding the interplay among soil organisms (microorganisms, fauna, plants), the biogeochemical processes they carry out, and the physical environment in which their activities take place, and in the application of this knowledge to environmental problems.

Current research projects examine the factors controlling the fate of pathogenic microorganisms in leachfield soils and the effects of organic fertilizers on soil quality, soil fertility, and nitrate leaching in turf. Additional projects include an evaluation of the role of earthworms in production of greenhouse gases in agricultural soil and assessment of the effects of coffee cultivation practices on the role of earthworms in C and N cycling.

On the education side, our focus is on the use of Problem-Based Learning in soil science and providing experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students in natural resources.

To contact us:

Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Microbiology
024 Coastal Institute in Kingston
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI 02881

Voice: 401.874.2902
Fax: 401.874.4561

E-mail: jamador@uri.edu
URL: www.uri.edu/cels/nrs/seml/index.html