Determination of soil biota from various contrasting habitats using combination of amplicon sequencing methods and assessment of volatile organic compounds

Diversity of soil biota and their role in nature conservation policies as well as effect of soil biota on potential benefits to human wellbeings became hot-topic in environmental sciences. For example, soils with low biodiversity of soil biota showed low C sequestration than soils with high diversity of soil biota. Therefore, soil biological and ecosystem observations is required to ensure living soil resources are sustainably conserved and managed and can support essential human needs. To do this, our project is focused to meet following objectives: 1) Assessment of diversity and structure of soil biota in soils taken from various contrasting natural and anthropogenic habitats across eastern part of peninsular Malaysia using amplicon sequencing methods; 2) Detection and analyses of species-specific Volatile Organic Compounds produced by soil bacteria, fungi and soil animals; 3) Investigating effect of soil fauna on decomposition rates of leaf litter from different natural and anthropogenic habitats across eastern part of peninsular Malaysia. Our project will combine analyses of Volatile Organic Compounds and amplicon sequencing methods to identify organisms in soils taken from various habitats. We expect differences in diversity and composition of soil biota in soils taken from various natural and anthropogenic habitats. We expect that soil bacteria, fungi and soil animals will produce species-specific volatile organic compounds. We expect litterbags accessible for soil fauna will show higher decomposition rate than litterbags not accessible for soil fauna. This project seeks to determine fundamental differences in soil biodiversity and its functioning using combination of amplicon sequencing methods and VOCs analyses. In agreement with, National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025, obtained results will be helpful for monitoring and conservation of soil biota as well as ecosystem benefits they provide. In link with UN SGD 15, obtained results will be also useful in restoration of degraded habitats.