Soledad Benitez Ponce

My long-term goal is to contribute to the implementation of sustainable management practices through understanding the ecology of crop production systems, including the interactions between native and augmented microorganisms and the abiotic environment. Specifically, my research focuses on the relationships between agricultural management strategies, microbial communities, and plant health, with an emphasis in soybean production and soilless controlled environment agriculture. A key feature of my research is to study microorganisms at the community level, simultaneously evaluating multiple microbial taxa and their potential interactions within shared ecological niches. Current research questions include: 1) how the abiotic environment modulates microbial-microbial interactions that influence plant disease development; 2) microbial community dynamics and function within leafy green hydroponics and 3) mechanisms through which agricultural practices contribute to build-up of beneficial microbial populations. I collaborate with microbiologists, ecologists and agronomists, as well as extension specialists, producers, and educators. In addition, I mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and professional researchers, who receive training in agroecosystems, microbial ecology, data analysis and science communication. This work aligns with AMP by providing a) evidence on how diversified soybean production improves soil health, microbial diversity and crop yields; b) supports sustainability of hydroponic systems through understanding mechanisms that contribute to microbial buildup as it relates to water and nutrient management, and sanitation practices; and c) provides training on agroecosystems.