Ecology Department

Berkeley Lab Scientists Brief California Science Advisory Panel for Food and Agriculture

July 28, 2017

As two-thirds of the fruits and nuts—and over a third of the vegetables—produced in the United States are grown in California, it’s crucial that the Golden State cultivate healthy soils that are resilient to stresses such as climate change, drought, and groundwater overuse. Now scientists at Berkeley Lab’s Earth & Environmental Sciences Area (EESA) and Biosciences Area are contributing to the effort by sharing their expertise with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)’s Science Advisory Panel, a group comprised of farmers, agriculture professionals, and experts in areas such as water, conservation, and resource management. Last week, EESA scientist Peter Nico hosted the panel at the Lab to brief them on research related to developing healthy soils, sustainable groundwater management strategies, and climate-adaptive agriculture.

Post Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division Ecology Department Publication

EESA Researchers Solve Deepwater Horizon Mystery

June 26, 2017

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 is one of the most studied spills in history, yet scientists haven’t agreed on the role of microbes in eating up the oil. Now EESA researchers have identified all of the principal oil-degrading bacteria as well as their mechanisms for chewing up the many different components that make up the released crude oil.

Post Announcements Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division Ecology Department Energy Geosciences Division

Romy Chakraborty is the new Ecology Department Head

January 25, 2017

Romy Chakraborty, whose background is in anaerobic microbial physiology and microbial ecology, assumes the role of the Department Head for Ecology, effective February 1, 2017 as announced by EESA ALD, Susan Hubbard

Post Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division Ecology Department In The Press

Gary Andersen tapped for tracking water pathogens in Marin County

January 18, 2017

Lagunitas Creek view, Marin County, California (cr. Marin County)

Marin County’s San Geronimo Valley Planning Group is evaluating the watersheds that encompass the Lagunitas and San Geronimo Creeks, which drain into Tomales Bay and provide coho salmon habitat. Water pathogens have been detected in the watershed and Tomales Bay. Faulty on-site wastewater systems, especially for properties in close proximity to streams, have been identified as among the sources…

Post Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division Ecology Department Geophysics Department

Using Electrical Current to Image Root Systems to Accelerate Crop Growth

December 20, 2016

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy has awarded $4.6 million to Berkeley Lab for two innovative projects that promote nondestructive ways to “see” into the soil, increase crop yields, and promote the storage of carbon.

Post Awards Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division Climate Sciences Department Ecology Department Energy Geosciences Division Geochemistry Department Geophysics Department Hydrogeology Department

LBNL Director’s Awards 2016

November 18, 2016

The Director’s Awards program recognizes significant achievements of Berkeley Lab employees. Each year, these awards are given for accomplishments, leadership, collaboration, multi-disciplinary science, cross-divisional projects, and commitment to excellence in support of the Lab’s mission and strategic goals. The 2016 recipients of the Director’s Achievement Awards were recognized this month. To see a complete list…

Post Announcements Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division Climate Sciences Department Ecology Department Energy Geosciences Division Geochemistry Department Geophysics Department Hydrogeology Department Research Highlight

EESA Unveils Its 10-Year Research Strategy

November 17, 2016

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Area (EESA) recently held a townhall (Oct. 31) to preview the upcoming release of its 10-year strategic plan. Deputy Director Horst Simon, as well as Directors from other Lab Areas, joined the full house. Five Grand Challenges have been identified to drive EESA’s research over the coming decade: Earth’s Microbial…

Post Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division Climate Sciences Department Ecology Department Energy Geosciences Division Geochemistry Department Geophysics Department Hydrogeology Department

Secretary of California Department of Food and Agriculture Visits Berkeley Lab

November 10, 2016

Photo of Ross wearing a headset to view the inside of a grapevine captured at the Advanced Light Source.

The benefits of pioneering science to agriculture was on display when Karen Ross, Secretary of the CA Department of Food & Agriculture, visited Berkeley Lab.

Post Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division Ecology Department Environmental and Biological Systems Science Program Domain Environmental Remediation & Water Resources Program Geochemistry Department In The Press

New Clues About the Roles of Subsurface Microbes in Globally Important Cycles

October 24, 2016

Jill Banfield's research team provides new clues about the roles of subsurface microbes in globally important cycles and adds new branches to the tree of life.

Post Announcements Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division Climate Sciences Department Ecology Department Energy Geosciences Division Geochemistry Department Geophysics Department

FY2017 LDRD Awards to EESA Scientists

October 13, 2016

Congratulations to EESA’s 12 FY2017 LDRD award recipients! LDRDs support high-quality science proposals, especially those that advance new strategic directions for EESA and the Berkeley Lab. Here are this year’s awardees: Lab-wide strategic growth Awards to support Microbes to Biomes Eoin Brodie—Harnessing the soil microbiome for food and fuel security Javier Ceja Navarro—The Soil Metazoan…