Integrated Characterization of Soil Microbiome and Physico-Edaphic Properties Using Metataxonomy and Applied Geophysics in Diversified Agricultural Systems

This project investigates how agricultural management systems (conventional, organic, and agroecological) affect microbial biodiversity in kidney tomato crops in the Ecuadorian Andean region. Given soil degradation due to intensive practices, the study seeks to understand the relationship between soil microbiota and physical soil properties. The methodology employs metataxonomic techniques (16S rRNA sequencing) and bioinformatics tools such as QIIME2 and DADA2 to characterize bacterial communities. Complementarily, non-invasive geophysical methods, such as electrical resistivity tomography and gamma radiometry, are used to map soil parameters at high resolution. Integrating these data through 3D geostatistical modeling will allow for the identification of high ecological value zones or 'bacterial hotspots.' The results will provide scientific evidence for the design of sustainable management strategies, strengthening agroecological policies and facilitating site-specific decision-making for local farmers.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>Evaluate the influence of different agricultural management systems on the structure and diversity of soil bacterial communities in kidney tomato crops, integrating metataxonomic, physicochemical, and geophysical analyses. The goal is to identify 'bacterial hotspots' to promote regenerative agriculture practices.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and genetic resources