Modelling the relationship between microbial and plant diversity in multi-species agroecosystems - MODIMIV

Objectives

The objectives of the MODIMIV project are as follows:

• 1. Exploring interactions between plant and microbial diversity: The project investigates the role of biological diversity in regulating carbon and nutrient cycles in permanent grasslands to gain a better understanding of the complex dynamics within these ecosystems.
• 2. Developing dynamic simulators: These tools incorporate plant and microbial diversity into grassland ecosystems to enhance the modelling of ecological processes associated with grassland cover and pave the way for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
• 3. Assessing the implications of biological interactions for ecosystem services: The project examines how plant and microbial diversity influence the regulation of nutrient cycles and carbon sequestration, highlighting the significance of these mechanisms for ecosystem sustainability.
• 4. Providing long-term prediction models: This is a major objective, as these models contribute to supporting sustainable practices by providing information for agricultural management.
• 5. Promoting innovation in agriculture: MODIMIV encourages the emergence of innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges in agricultural systems, aligning with Biosefair's priorities for shaping the future of agricultural practices.

Figure 1: conventional approach, no explicit integration of biological biodiversity

Figure 2: introduction of plant biodiversity dynamics

Figure 3: MODIMIV approach, integrating the complex interactions between plant and microbial diversity

Legend for Figures 1 to 3:

 Grey arrows: controls exerted by biological, physical and chemical processes on supporting and degrading processes
 Yellow arrows: controls exerted by supporting and degrading processes on plant growth processes (which in turn influence fundamental processes and various ecosystem services)
 Green arrows: impacts of biological biodiversity dynamics on fundamental processes and ecosystem services

Approachs

MODIMIV positions itself as an in-depth study of the interactions between microbial and plant diversity in multi-species agroecosystems, aiming to shape a sustainable and innovative agroecological transition. The project is built upon regular collaboration within the consortium, with semi-annual workshops to facilitate the exchange of ideas. Four master's level M2 internship programmes play a crucial role in deepening knowledge and experimental analysis. Two experimental internships allow students to immerse themselves directly in experiments, contributing to data analysis from an isotopic labeling platform and plot devices for subsequent modelling. In parallel, two modelling internships are of vital importance in translating experimental data into modeling, enhancing the understanding of interactions between plant and microbial diversity. MODIMIV is committed to writing modelling articles based on internship reports while organising workshops and presentations at scientific events. Simultaneously, through the drafting of a position paper, the project aspires to define a roadmap for the development of these models, highlighting the use of new technologies to support modeling work.

Participants

INRAE units involved

• UMR UREP
• UMR SADAPT
• UMR EMMAH
• UR P3F

Partnership

• CREA Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Italy
• CREA Research Centre for Animal Production and Aquaculture, Italy
• CNRS LIEC Laboratoire interdisciplinaire des environnements continentaux
• VetAgroSup Campus Agronomique de Clermont-Ferrand