You are hereenzyme
enzyme
Erin Frankson
I am working at the Hofmockel lab as part of the 2011 Biogeosciences Research Experience for Undergraduates Program at Iowa State University. This fall I will be a junior at St. Olaf College, a private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota. I am currently pursuing degrees in biology and environmental science. This fall I will be studying abroad in Tanzania (you should check out the link to my blog!) and will be conducting independent research in the Tarangire National Park. Ultimately, I hope to work with implementing sustainable agricultural practices in developing countries.
Alternative Biomass Cropping Systems & Microbial Processes
A critical gap in making progress toward ecologically beneficial farming practices is an explicit understanding of how soils store carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) over the long term. Farmers are facing new challenges that require management practices for improving soil quality, increasing both belowground (live roots) and aboveground (live cover) biomass, increasing soil organic matter, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To identify optimal man¬agement strategies, an understanding of microbial processes that regulate C and N cycling is essential.