Van der Heijden Lab
News
Review:
Agricultural intensification, microbial homogenization and loss of rare microbiota: New review by Samiran Banerjee, Debarshi Dasgupta & Marcel G. A. van der Heijden : Nature Reviews Microbiology (2026). In this review, we demonstrate that agricultural intensification causes homogenisation of microbial communities. We show and discuss that various beneficial microbes (e.g. mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen fixing bacteria) decrease in abundance upon intensification while others (like pathogens or "ruderal" microbes) enhance in abundance. We also present a meta-analysis demonstrating effects on rare microbes
Seventy percent of soils in Europe are contaminated with pesticides. A Europe-wide study co-led by researchers of the University of Zurich now shows that their effects on soil life are substantial, as pesticides suppress various beneficial soil organisms. To protect soil biodiversity, the findings should be taken into account in current pesticide regulations.
Succesful PhD defence (13.4.2026) Dr. Laura Medici - Agroecosystem Stress: the microbiome as a Biomarker Tool. Collaboration with FHNW Muttenz. Main supervisor: Miriam Langer (FHNW).
Succesful PhD defence Dr. Elias Barmettler (2.4.2026) - Tracking Traces: Profound impact of Pesticides on Soil Microbiomes. Main supervisors: Marcel van der Heijden, Steffi Lutz, Thomas Bucheli and Katie Mackie-Haas (Agroscope).
Succesful PhD defence: Dr. Sara Jordan (2.3.2026). Comparitive genomics of Enterobacter causing Bulb Decay of Onions. Collaboration University of Applied Science, Wädenswil. Main Supervisor: Theo Smits.
Cedric Gehrer, Geography UZH May 2026: Rooted in the Past: The Effect of Soil Legacy and Mycorrhizal Symbiosis on Red Clover and Soil Properties
Melisa Akgül, Plant Sciences UZH May 2026: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi under nitrogen and pesticide stress: effect on plant growth and soil leaching processes
Sarah Lehmann, Health Sciences and Technology ETHZ February 2026: Long-term Effects of Conventional and Innovative Agricultural Management: Linking Soil Health and Pesticide Residues
This website uses cookies. Here you can choose which cookies you want to allow and change your selection at any time. By clicking "Accept", you agree to the use of cookies.