Background and Overview 

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The rhizosphere mediates plant nutrient acquisition, sustains microbial communities, contributes to disease suppression, and regulates global nutrient cycles, directly impacting crop production and ecosystem services. This course will provide a broad overview of the fundamentals of root and rhizosphere structure and function. Key topics will include root production and turnover, rhizosphere communities, nutrient cycling in both managed and unmanaged ecosystems and rhizosphere responses to global climate change. An emphasis will be placed on methods and techniques used to monitor and measure roots and rhizosphere processes. By the end of the course students will be able to relate rhizosphere dynamics to plant growth, soil health, and ecosystem function.

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Course Objectives:

 

1. Define and describe root and rhizosphere structure and function

2. Relate rhizosphere processes to crop production and ecosystem services

3. Critically evaluate different methods and techniques used to measure rhizosphere processes.

4. Comprehend and communicate the latest research in rhizosphere ecology

5. Develop and expand skills in scientific writing, learn to effectively review and analyze the scientific literature, lead class discussions and present research topics.

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FULL COURSE OUTLINE ACCESSED HERE