2026-03-05

SFB Microplastic

The Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 1357: "Microplastics - Understanding the mechanisms and processes of biological effects, transport and formation: From model to complex systems as a basis for new solutions

The Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) 1357: "Microplastics - Understanding the mechanisms and processes of biological effects, transport and formation: From model to complex systems as a basis for new solutions" investigates the formation, migration and effects of microplastics and develops new approaches to solving this immense environmental problem. The ubiquitous contamination of the environment with microplastics (MP), the associated risks to ecosystems and ultimately to human health has recently attracted a great deal of public and scientific attention. So far, the young field of MP research has mainly been limited to the development of suitable monitoring methods, the quantitative assessment of environmental contamination, the identification of relevant entry paths into the environment, as well as first mitigation approaches. Further, ecotoxicological studies have been performed using mostly brand-new plastics. All these approaches lacked a fundamental understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes to which MP is subjected in the environment. The scientific complexity of the field ‘MP’, however, requires an interdisciplinary approach that bridges the traditional disciplinary boundaries.

2026-03-05

Rhizosphere Spatiotemporal Organisation - SPP 2089

Priority Programme “Rhizosphere Spatiotemporal Organisation – a Key to Rhizosphere Functions” (SPP 2089)

This Priority Programme aims at the identification of spatiotemporal patterns in the rhizosphere and at the explanation of the underlying mechanisms. The key concept of the programme consists of approaching the rhizosphere as a self-organised system. Self-organisation arises from a cascade of feedback loops between root, microbiome and soil. Emerging patterns in the rhizosphere cannot be understood from studying the components in isolation. The overall hypothesis of the Priority Programme is that resilience emerges from self-organised spatiotemporal pattern formation in the rhizosphere.

2026-03-05

ORDIAmur

What causes replant problems in tree nurseries and fruit farms that repeatedly grow apples in the same soil? The interdisciplinary team at ORDIAmur has studied this complex topic and developed and tested sustainable countermeasures based on the latest findings.

What causes replant problems in tree nurseries and fruit farms that repeatedly grow apples in the same soil? The interdisciplinary team at ORDIAmur has studied this complex topic and developed and tested sustainable countermeasures based on the latest findings. Goal and approach In fruit tree nurseries and apple orchards worldwide, there is a risk of high crop losses if apples are planted in soils where apples have previously been grown. The causes of these replant problems are not fully understood and sustainable management measures are missing. The BonaRes project ORDIAmur aimed to develop alternatives to chemical soil disinfection that are based on a better understanding of apple replant disease and are economically and ecologically viable. Therefore, researchers from 14 German universities and research institutions worked on the topic. At three locations, reference plots with apple disease were created through repeated apple cultivation and control plots were created on which no apples were cultivated. Humus, nutrients and structural properties were analysed in the soil from these plots and the organisms, primarily nematodes, fungi and bacteria, were characterized using classical isolation approaches and modern sequencing techniques. Plants grown in regrowth and control soils were analyzed for differences in gene expression and the content of secondary constituents in roots. Important partners were also farms that were interviewed for risk analyses and where counteractive measures were tested.

2026-03-05

All other projects

All other projects

All other projects