Research Interest

Our lab focus on understanding principles of soil's ecological function, such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. Specifically, we are interested in how various carbon farming practices can enhance the soil function. In methodological perspective, we use novel methodological approaches to understand complex interaction among Soil-Plant-Microbes. We use X-ray microtomography technique to analyze soil pore/matrix structures and organic matter distribution. To examine soil microbial activity, we use Zymography to locate soil extracellular enzymes in 2-dimension. Also, we track the transport of plant-derived carbon and nitrogen by using Stable Isotope Labeling methods.
Currently, we are performing a project to find mechnisms of carbon sequestration in groundcover plant system and understand the effects of plant biodiversity on carbon reduction (SNU project).


Research Keywords Carbon farming, Groundcover plants, Carbon sequestration, Plant biodiversity, Landscape, Climate change, Soil biochemistry

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Principal Investigator Information

Our PI's Curriculum Vitae is here [Click]

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Publications from our lab members

K. Kim, A. Juyal, A. Kravchenko, 2024. Soil pore characteristics and the fate of new switchgrass-derived carbon in switchgrass and prairie bioenergy cropping systems. Scientific Reports 14, 7824. [link]

K. Kim, A. Kaestner, M. Lucas, A. Kravchenko, 2023. Microscale spatiotemporal patterns of water, soil organic carbon, and enzymes in plant litter detritusphere. Geoderma, 438, 116625. [link]

J. Perkins, K. Kim, G. Sudin, J. Wilson, 2023. Fungicide exposure in honey bee hives varies by time, worker role, and proximity to orchards in spring. Journal of Economic Entomology, 2023 1-12. [link]

K. Kim, J. Gill, N. Ostrom, H. Gandhi, M. Oerther, Y. Kuzyakov, A. Guber, A. Kravchenko, 2022. Soil pore architecture and rhizosphere legacy define N2O production in root detritusphere. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 166, 108565. [link]

K. Kim, T. Kutlu, A. Kravchenko, A. Guber, 2021. Dynamics of N2O in vicinity of plant residues: a microsensor approach. Plant and Soil, 11104-021-04871-7. [link]

J.D. Meadows, J.A. Breuer, S.N. Lavalle, M.R. Hirschenberger, M.M. Patel, D. Nguyen, A. Kim, J. Cassin, M.R. Gorman, D.K. Welsh, P.L. Mellon,and H.M. Hoffmann, 2021. Deletion of Six3 in post-proliferative neurons produces weakened SCN circadian output, improved metabolic function, and dwarfism in male mice. Molecular metabolism, p.101431. [link]

K. Kim, A. Guber, M. Rivers, A. Kravchenko, 2020. Contribution of decomposing plant roots to N2O emissions by water absorption. Geoderma 375, 114506. [link]

H. Zheng, K. Kim, A. Kravchenko, M. Rivers, A. Guber, 2020. Testing Os staining approach for visualizing soil organic matter patterns in intact samples via X-ray dual energy tomography scanning. Environmental Science and Technology, 54, 12, 8980-8989. [link]

H. Bang, J. Kim, K. Kim, S Hyun., 2020, Effect of drying treatment on the leachability of metallic elements from weathered solid mine wastes. Chemosphere 248, 126111. [link]

K. Kim, J. Kim, K. Cho, J.G. Kim, S. Hyun., 2018. Analysis of the Resilience of Common-Pool Resources during Globalization: The Case of Jeju Common Ranches in Korea. Sustainability 10 (12), 4346. [link]

K. Kim J. Kim, S. Hyun., 2018. Soil attenuation of the leaching potential of mine-related metallic elements (Zn, As, and Cd) under different leachate solute compositions. Journal of environmental management 222, 402-408. [link]

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Extension Activities

We present our scientific data to artworks as a tool to communicate with general public.

J. Lee, T. Ulbrich, K. Kim, A. Juyal, M. Oerther, A. Trusiak, C. Mammott, A. Kravchenko, 2021. A Look Under Ground: Why Root Interactions Matter for Plants, Climate, and Humans (Documentary video). Presented at MSU 2021 Science Festival, MSU Science-Communication

K. Kim, 2020. Soil Catalysts.
Presented at Catalyst: A virtual Sci-Art exhibition, MSU Science-Communication

K. Kim, M. Oerther, A. Kravchenko, 2019. Four Phases of Soil. Transformed soil X-ray microtomography images.
Presented at
i) Kellogg Biological Station Allurement Salon, Nov 7 2019, Richland Community Hall, Michigan [Tweet]
ii) MSU Science-Communication Science-7Art exhibition, Oct 19-Oct 30 2019, Wharton Center Great Hall, Michigan.

A. Guber, K. Kim, M. Oerther, A. Kravchenko, 2019. Water Under Our Feet.
A 3D hologram installation and living plants grown in transparent glass bead panel. Presented at DEPTH, June 8-Aug 1 2019, Detroit Science Gallery, Michigan.

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Lab members

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