New funding supports research on soil microbiomes and their resilience to change

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Drylands cover more than 40% of the Earth's terrestrial surface, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and support 40% of the global population. With monsoon seasons growing more extreme and unpredictable in these arid regions — driven by a warming climate — their soil microbiomes may be threatened. To find out, a microbiologist at Penn State is undertaking a collaborative study of whether microbial communities in arid ecosystems can maintain resilience in the midst of changing monsoon regimes. The project is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Allen Family Philanthropies, which was formerly known as the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

In these drylands soil microbiomes, water equals activity, explained Estelle Couradeau, assistant professor of soils and environmental microbiology in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. The question, she said, is if that microbial community can "bounce back" from increasing unpredictable water disturbance. The answer is critical because dryland microorganisms are believed to be ecological engineers to restore degraded land and mitigate desertification, Couradeau added.

“These soils are dry, the microbes only turn active when it is wet, so changes in moisture pattern will change their window for being active,” she said. “It is a problem if the microbes can’t adapt to turbulent conditions because soil microbes are responsible for nutrient cycling, including the nitrogen cycle that is a focus of this project.”

Couradeau will collaborate with Malak Tfaily at the University of Arizona, both leading research teams at their respective institutions. The total project award is $1,153,700, split between the two universities.

"Microbes are our allies in the fight against climate change, and understanding their resilience is crucial for our future,” she said. “Working with Malak Tfaily at the University of Arizona is an incredible opportunity. By combining our advanced methods in microbial ecology, we can truly dissect microbial functioning. Partnering with Allen Family Philanthropies presents a unique opportunity to engage with fellow researchers. Together, we can build a robust network focused on advancing our understanding of microbial resiliency in the face of climate change."

The project is centered at Saguaro National Park, an iconic hot desert ecosystem in Tucson, Arizona. This site serves as an ideal natural laboratory for studying microbial resilience under climate change, Couradeau said, explaining that it captures the dramatic environmental transitions driven by monsoon cycles. These transitions are characterized by fluctuations in moisture availability, temperature and resource inputs, offering researchers a unique opportunity to investigate microbial responses to extreme changes in their environment.

Couradeau noted that the researchers will explore the role of ammonia-oxidizing Thermoproteota bacteria. These single-celled microorganisms — known for thriving in extreme high-temperature habitats such as hot springs, hydrothermal vents and geothermally heated soils — are pivotal in maintaining nitrogen availability.

“We expect that they are keystone species shaping the stability of microbial communities under stress," she said. "With our research, we aim to better understand what we suspect are coordinated responses in the microbial communities of arid ecosystems to maintain resilience. Hopefully, our work will reveal the intricate mechanisms that support their survival amid climate change."

The research at Penn State also will inform a new version of an immersive video game developed by Andrew Hieronymi, associate professor in Penn State’s School of Visual Arts. The game, called "CONTACT," allows players to explore the experience of being a microbe. It will help people to better understand the science, Couradeau suggested.

"I'm thrilled to collaborate with Penn State artist Andrew Hieronymi on immersive modules for the video game,” she said. “Players will get to experience the life of a microbe during a monsoon — it's going to be an amazing blend of science and art!"