UHO - University of Hohenheim, Germany

Universität Hohenheim has strong, long lasting expertise in physiological, genetic, biochemical and biophysical aspects of plant nutrient acquisition, with special emphasis on the impact of plant-microbial interactions on this process. Major research lines cover the mechanistic, molecular characterization of nutrient uptake and regulatory aspects of root growth, root physiology, root exudation and its modification by rhizosphere microorganisms.

Role in the project

UHO will be mainly involved in the activities of work package 3 with major contributions to Task 3.1 in the pre-testing of the newly developed microbial consortia, inoculants, formulations and inoculant application techniques, with the aim to improve performance of bread wheat and potato under combined water and nutrient stress. Special emphasis will be placed on the combination with novel, more sustainable fertilizer application strategies such as stabilized ammonium fertilizers, underfoot placement and depot fertilization with expected impact on P and N acquisition and improved root colonization due to localized root growth effects. Field testing of most promising approaches will be performed in Task 3.2.

Key persons involved

• Prof. Dr. Günter Neumann
• Prof. Dr. Uwe Ludewig
• Dr. Markus Weinmann