The Pedology research unit deals with the soil system as a result of the actions and interactions of environmental and anthropogenic factors that influence its evolution. The research unit is interested in research topics related to the study of pedogenetic processes and the management and conservation of soil resources in natural and agricultural environments. The main research lines concern: soil-microorganism-plant interactions; rhizosphere; feedbacks between soil and climate change; organic C sequestration in soil; soil genesis in extreme environments (high altitude, arid, permafrost-affected and polar soils); soil mineralogy; organic matter and nutrient dynamics; role of soil skeleton in nutrient release; properties of ecological solutions (stemflow, throughfall), impact of microplastics on soil functionality.

Technical and administrative staff 

Angelo Leccese