Gratama grant for microbial world of the salt marsh

In its funding round for 2014, the Gratama Foundation has awarded a grant of € 16.900 to Dr Joana Falcao Salles for her research entitled ‘Microbial processes in the salt marshes of Schiermonnikoog: the basis for sustainable natural development’. Dr Falcao Salles works at the Center for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies of the University of Groningen. The Gratama Foundation awarded grants to six researchers this year.

‘Microbial processes in the salt marshes of Schiermonnikoog: the basis of sustainable natural development’
Salt marshes are coastal landscapes that have an important buffer role between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. In the salt marshes on Schiermonnikoog, a complex interplay can be observed between the nutrients that the soil provides and the plants that establish themselves in this vulnerable ecosystem. The plants in turn provide food for migratory birds that forage on these salt marshes. The microbial societies that generate and recycle the nutrients in the soil form the basis of the food chain, as a source of nutrients that enable plants and animals, such as migratory birds, to grow. The aim of this research is to analyse the main processes in microbial societies that play a role in the development of a salt marsh.

More information: Dr Joana Falcao Salles