Research Interests

Effects of soil microarthropods on crop production

The focal point of my PhD research is an integrated cover cropping experiment. Within this experiment I am investigating how different cover cropping practices influence soil biological processes mediated by soil microarthropods, and how that ultimately impacts crop production. This project explores how the relationships between nitrogen cycling, plant pathogens, and weed competition affect crop production using structural equation modelling.

Picture of oat seedlings growing in a pot in a greenhouse. Photo credit: Ashley Jernigan

Nitrogen Cycling

Further developing our understanding of how soil microarthropod abundance and diversity impacts nitrogen uptake and allocation in plants.

Picture of Collembola interacting with Rhizoctonia solani. Photo credit: Allison Usavage

Plant Pathogen Dynamics

Investigating the spatial dynamics of plant pathogen-soil microarthropod interactions.

Picture of Velvetleaf seedlings with Collembola around them. Photo credit: Ashley Jernigan

Plant Community Assemblage

Exploring the effects of soil microarthropods on plant community assemblage.