A group of scientists at the Experimental Station in Zaidín, Granada are studying the effects of climate change on the National and Natural Parks of the Sierra Nevada from bacteria that live in soil.
The researcher of the “Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas” (CSIC), Manuel Fernandez Lopez, has said that the project is exploring microbial biodiversity associated with the roots of oak at differing altitudes of the park.
Fernandez explained that the Alpujarra is the area chosen for the study because it has been observed here that the oak is affected by global warming, which implies an increase in temperature and decreased precipitation.
The project, which lasts five years, is “very difficult,” said the researcher, and that tree populations living in forests have a tough life at first. Some coming changes could eventually kill them.
In this sense, the researchers decided to analyze microbial communities in soil where oaks and holm oak grow, as the bacteria are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.
Moreover, these organisms can be used as bio-indicators of climate change, which will help to advise what type of plants will have to restock on deforested land, as is the case of the area burned in 2005 in the town of Lanjaron in Granada, where the fire swept 3425 hectares.
“We are also working at an altitude of 2000 meters as a potential area for reforestation,” said Fernandez, to see if the oak can be extended upwards due to increased temperature.
From soil samples, the researchers obtain the genetic fingerprint or “fingerprint” of microorganisms, and then extract the DNA, which undergoes a chain reaction (PCR). In addition, they periodically monitor humidity and atmospheric conditions of the trees in the area through catheters placed in their trunk.
The scientist also noted that it is interesting to study in a local area to try to adapt and mitigate problems caused as a result of climate change.
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