Piumi Kumaratenna
Lincoln University, AgResearch
Soil Microbial Dynamics in Agricultural Ecosystems: Investigating the Effects of Elevated CO2 on Microbial Composition and Function
I am a microbiologist with a background in agriculture and soil science, currently pursuing a PhD on the effects of climate change on soil microbial dynamics in agricultural ecosystems.
My research focuses on microbes associated with wheat cultivation under elevated CO₂ conditions, examining how biotic and abiotic factors influence soil fungi and bacteria and their impact on plant growth. Using CO₂ chambers, I simulate elevated and ambient conditions to study microbial responses. My work involves microbiology, molecular analyses, soil and plant studies, and advanced techniques such as UPLC and gas chromatography.
Through my research, I aim to uncover how soil microbial communities under different farming systems can exhibit greater resilience to elevated CO₂ and temperature-an insight crucial for ensuring sustainable agricultural and food production in a changing climate.
Publications
Conference Proceedings