Research

The Institute of Soil Biology covers all important fields of contemporary soil biological and ecological research from molecular to ecosystem levels. In particular, the ISB research teams focus on the soil biota contribution to soil functioning and structure, on analysing interactions between animals and microorganisms and between soil biota and both biotic and abiotic structures and processes in soils. A significant part of research deals with human impacts on soil ecosystems.

Main directions of the research include:

- the ecology and taxonomy of main groups of soil microorganisms and soil animals, i.e. actinomyctes, micromycetes, algae and blue–green algae, rotifers, nematodes, earthworms, collembolans, oribatid mites, diplopods, terrestrial isopods, centipedes and diptera larvae. The interactions between those groups and their effects on soil properties and processes are also investigated.

- enzyme and metabolic activity and biomass of soil microorganisms, decomposition and mineralization of soil organic matter, soil microbial transformations of carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen in particular, including N-mineralization, nitrification, denitrification and N₂-fixation, soil air composition and production of gaseous metabolites and their emission from soil.

- soil microstructure formation and transformation, synergistic effects of soil fauna and microflora during soil development and in relation to soil functioning.

Collections of micromycetes and algae as well as of selected groups of soil invertebrates are maintained at the ISB.

The research themes are closely connected with each other, and scientific projects are often planned and designed to integrate several of them. Interdisciplinary research and co-operation among soil zoologists, soil microbiologists and soil chemists, together with a specialisation of individual scientist in all important groups of soil organisms and main soil processes, resulted in internationally respected results of the Institute. In addition to soil biology research, co-operation with several Czech and foreign universities, including the involvement of the staff in teaching, belongs to basic characteristics of the ISB.

Current Research Projects

Since 2006

Soil microbial community in nitrogen-induced stress conditions: impact on formation of greenhouse gases in and emissions from agricultural soils.
Coordinator: Šimek M. Supported by: Grant Agency of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Project No. A600660605, project years: 2006 – 2010.

Interactions between soil macrofauna and vegetation during spontaneous succession and forest reclamation in post minig sites
Coordinator: Frouz J. Supported by: Czech Science Foundation, Project No: 526/06/0728, project years: 2006 – 2008.

Seasonal dynamics of soil rotifers in relation to moisture and temperature in various stages of succession.
Coordinator: Devetter M. Supported by: Czech Science Foundation, Project No: 206/06/P405, project years: 2006 – 2008.

Long-term changes of invertebrate assemblages in deciduous woodland soil as affected by ungulate grazing 
Coordinator: Tajovský K. Supported by: Czech Science Foundation, Project No: 526/06/1348, project years: 2006 – 2008.

Gene screening of actinomycetes producing new substances with potential therapeutic applications to modulate immune mechanisms.
Coordinator: Krištůfek V., Supported by: Grant Agency of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Project No. A600660607, project years: 2006 – 8.

Diversity and ecology of soil annelids in urban greens - on the example of a medium-sized city
Coordinator: Pižl V. Supported by: Grant Agency of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Project No. A600660608, project years: 2006 – 2008.

Centre of  environmental  microbiology.
Coordinator: Krištůfek V. Supported by: MSMT, project years: 2006 – 10.

Since 2007

The importance of soil microflora for defense mechanisms of earthworms
Coordinator: Pižl V. Supported by: Grant Agency of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Project No. IAA600200704, project years: 2007 – 2011.

Dynamics of soil fauna and humus successive development to climax spruce and beech forest in Šumava National Park.
Coordinator: Rusek J. Supported by: MŽP , Project No. SP/2d2/58/07, project years: 2007 – 2011.

Diversity assessment of selected groups of soil invertebrates in fragmented forest landscape in Český kras PLA.
Coordinator: Tajovský K. Supported by: Ekologické služby s.r.o., Project No. SP/2d3/139/07, project years: 2007 – 2011.

Since 2008

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Coordinator: Frouz J. Supported by: MŠMT, Project No. ME08020, project years: 2008 – 2012.

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Coordinator: Šimek M. Supported by: MŠMT, Project No. 2B08023, project years: 2008 – 2011.