LABORATORY OF SOIL BIOLOGY & ECOLOGY
Contact:
e-mail: v.aschonitis@elgo.gr
Tel.: +30 2310 473429
Int.: 312
e-mail: p.kougias@elgo.gr
Tel: +30 2310 473429
Int.: 110
The Laboratory of Soil Biology & Ecology aims to investigate soil biodiversity and biochemical processes that regulate soil functionality & fertility, nutrient cycling, and the sustainable use of organic amendments to improve soil health. It examines the effects of climate on soil greenhouse gas emissions, and the interactions between environmental and anthropogenic factors with soil biological functions, supporting the transition to sustainable agricultural systems. The Laboratory operates in cooperation with the International Hellenic University (Prof. Nikolaos Monokrousos, Soil Ecology Laboratory).
- Microbial activity and microbial biomass of carbon & nitrogen
- Enzymatic activity related to the C, N, P, and S cycles
- Extraction, counting, and classification of nematodes
- Rate of mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification
- Determination of greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O)
- Measurements of pathogens (E. coli, enterococci, coliforms, Salmonella)
- Determination of heterotrophic microorganisms
- Determination of PLFAs (phospholipid fatty acids)
- Molecular techniques (qPCR, NGS 16S/ITS) and statistical/bioinformatic analyses
- Assessment of soil biodiversity and soil health using biological indicators
- Estimation of the dynamics of the C, N, P, and S cycles and greenhouse gas emissions
- Evaluation of the response of soil biological processes to anthropogenic interventions, agricultural practices, and environmental changes
- Evaluation of plant protection products for managing plant-parasitic nematodes
- Assessment of the effects of agrochemicals on soil biological activity
- Study of microbial community interactions and changes in their structure
- Development of small- and large-scale experimental designs under controlled and field conditions
