Karla Burke

Project Title: Consequences of agricultural management intensity on soil microbiome-mediated nutrient cycling potential in Ireland

Overview: Grassland systems are essential to sustainable agriculture, yet modern intensive management practices have led to increased greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient runoff, and biodiversity loss. Karla’s PhD research focuses on how different levels of grassland management intensity influence microbiome-mediated soil nutrient cycling, particularly nitrogen (N), carbon (C), and phosphorus (P) turnover.

Using a multidisciplinary approach, the project will analyze soil microbial functions across different regions and conduct targeted field experiments in Ireland. These experiments will assess the impact of plant species diversity, seasonal variations, and drought stress on soil microbiome activity. Advanced molecular techniques, enzymatic assays, and soil physicochemical analyses will be employed to understand how microbiome-driven nutrient cycling can enhance soil health and resilience.

Findings from this research will provide critical insights to inform sustainable grassland management strategies, contributing to Ireland’s and the EU’s environmental goals related to soil biodiversity, climate regulation, and food security. This project is a collaboration between Teagasc and the University of Limerick.

Karla holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science from the University of Limerick. 

Programme Area: Crops Environment and Land Use

Location: Environment Research Centre, Johnstown Castle

University: University of Limerick

ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6255-3523

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karla-burke-bb8594233

Supervisors: Dr Aaron Fox and Dr Fiona Brennan and Dr Achim Schmalenberger
Funder: Research Ireland