Exploring the Effects of Photodegradation on Soil Organic Matter

Student Name: Nelson Chou

UCD Department: Plant Sciences

UCD Mentor: Dr. Johan Six

Nelson Chou conducts a research project in the Department of Plant Sciences. The mentors of this young scholar are Dr. Johan Six and Dr. Sandra Yanni of the Agroecology Lab group. The objective the research is to explore the effects of photodegradation on littler and soil organic matter and its magnitude and ratein a California grassland. Photodegradation is an abiotic process in which sunlight, composed of both ultraviolet and visible light, degrades organic materials and can therefore facilitate subsequent microbial decomposition of organic matter. The carbon and nitrogen amounts of soil, grass litter, light effect on decomposition will be strategically analyzed. These understandings will form a basis of accurate prediction of annual decomposition rates of highly sun-exposed ecosystems such as the California grasslands.