Research on microbial microenvironments in soils: Convergence of approaches and a look ahead
Résumé
Over the last 10 years, a significant body of research has been devoted to the analysis, at the microscopic scale, of
a variety of soil processes, and of the physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters that affect them. When
this work was initiated, a decade ago, it was clear at least to some of us that different experimental and modeling
approaches should be adopted, and that advances would be achieved through the convergence of these different
approaches. As work progresses and as we meet further challenges with each line of research, it is easy to forget
what we thought the points of convergence should be, and to lose track of the ultimate goals of the research. In
this "philosophical" talk, I would like to put things back in context, describe the bigger picture of the microscale
research on soil processes, propose an overview of the state-of-the-science, and discuss what perspectives are
afforded by recent technological and computational developments in the field. I will argue that by having a clear
set of questions to be answered, a well-thought-out program to address these questions, and a lucid perspective on
where we are along the path, it will be easier to attract support for our efforts.
Domaines
Sciences du Vivant [q-bio]
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)
