Who are we?

The Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Microbiology started as a collaborative effort between Josef Görres and José Amador, both in the Dept. of Natural Resources Science at the University of Rhode Island. People currently associated with the lab include Jose Amador, Janet Atoyan, Joe Fetter, Ed Avizinis, and Jessie Dyer. Josef, now at the University of Vermont, continues to collaborate with us.

What do we do?

Our research interests span many aspects of the ecology and microbiology of soils. We are interested in understanding the interplay among microorganisms, flora and fauna, and the physical environment, and how this affects the biogeochemical processes they carry out. We use this knowledge to solve environmental problems.

Current research projects include: 

• Examination of the factors that control the fate of pathogenic bacteria and viruses in septic system leachfield soils
• Analysis of the effects of squid-based organic fertilizers on soil and water quality and soil fertility in turf
• Evaluation of the role of earthworms in production of greenhouse gases in agricultural soils
• Assessment of the effects of coffee cultivation practices on the role of earthworms in C and N cycling.
• Examination of the impact of eelgrass on retention and persistence of bacterial indicators of human fecal contamination in subaqueous soils.

On the education side, our focus is on the use of Problem-Based Learning in undergraduate education and on 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