Source Themes

Biochar reduced extractable dieldrin concentrations and promoted oligotrophic growth including microbial degraders of chlorinated pollutants

The role of organic amendments for natural degradation of aged persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in agricultural soils remains controversial. We hypothesised that organic amendments enhance bacterial activity and function at the community level, …

Composition of soil organic matter drives total loss of dieldrin and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane in high-value pastures over thirty years

The residues of dieldrin and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), internationally-banned agricultural insecticides, continue to exceed government guidelines in some surface soils 30 years after use. Little is known regarding the soil factors and …

Highly decomposed organic carbon mediates the assembly of soil communities with traits for the biodegradation of chlorinated pollutants

To improve biodegradation strategies for chlorinated pollutants, the roles of soil organic matter and microbial function need to be clarified. It was hypothesised that microbial degradation of specific organic fractions in soils enhance community …