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Modeling Potential Impact of Global Warming on Soil Bacteria Composition

AJAS · 2025 Microbiology (inferred)

Michelle Rozenfeld · New Jersey Academy of Science

Overview

Background: Soil microbes are essential for nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and maintaining plant health. However, rising temperatures pose a threat to soil biodiversity. This study aims to predict the impact of increasing temperatures on soil bacteria composition. The hypothesis was that soil subjected to temperatures expected in 2100 will exhibit a distinct bacterial composition compared to the microbiota of New Jersey (NJ) soil in 2023. Methods: To investigate this hypothesis, soil samples were exposed to extreme conditions mimicking 2100 NJ soil temperatures (30°C) and current NJ soil temperatures (21°C) for a duration of 2 weeks. Bacterial growth patterns were observed on Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA), and initial morphological and biochemical characterization of species were conducted. Results: Results showed a sizable difference in bacterial colony forming units (CFU) between samples, with 21°C incubated soil containing 80 CFU per 1/2000 gram compared to only 35 CFU per 1/2000 gram in 30°C incubated soil. Colonies grown at 21°C and 30°C were tentatively identified as Azotobacter, E. coli, S. fradiae, S. aureus, B. pumilus, and B. cereus. Gram staining aided in identifying species, revealing that 11 out of 12 isolates were gram-positive. Conclusion: Fewer bacterial colonies with less diverse morphologies were discovered in the soil incubated at 30°C modeling the year 2100 than 21°C of 2023. By studying the microbiome in heat treated soils, a perspective into how climate change may impact this environmental parameter may be ascertained. These findings can provide crucial insights for developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and preserve soil biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

Competition history

  • AJAS 2025 Category not listed

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Source: AAAS Annual Meeting (Confex) / American Junior Academy of Science

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