Research Scope and objectives:
In Thailand’s rice fields, methanotrophs struggle due to stress and micronutrient deficiencies, however this approach could help them neutralize methane between crop cycles. This project seeks to activate methanotrophs by adding “methanotrophic fairy dust,” a supplement of missing micronutrients crucial for methane oxidation. The project focuses on restoring key micronutrients, particularly copper and lanthanides, critical to microbial methane oxidation.
Objectives:
- Boost methanotrophic populations, enhancing methane removal efficiency.
- Optimize soil microbial interactions, reducing nitrous oxide emissions through microbial out competition of unhealthy nitrogen processes.
- Develop new management strategies to integrate microbial micronutrient monitoring into future climate-smart agricultural practices.
Donor, Partners and Geographical scope:
EQT Foundation Sweden, under the Methane Action Breakthrough Science Grants (December 2024 to December 2026). The scope of this project is in Surin province, Isaan region of Thailand.
AIT role and responsibilities
Dr. Simon Guerrero, is leading this project with a team of 4 staff. Responsibilities: sampling to characterize metal deficiencies in Surin soils, amend those deficiencies and study the enhancement of methane oxidation in soil microcosms and pot mesocosms.
Expected outcomes and impact
This research offers a transformative step forward in applied environmental microbiology and climate mitigation strategies. By bridging microbiology, nutrient dynamics, and sustainable management; we include a crucial component of soil health in methane mitigation which in turn will result in actionable solutions for methane and nitrous oxide reduction. As the project unfolds, the findings could lead to scalable applications in agricultural systems worldwide, redefining how microbial micronutrients are integrated into climate-smart practices.
Lessons learned and way forward
Building on insights from the latest MicroGRICE project, recent soil assessments in Surin, Thailand; revealed severe deficiencies in these metals (copper and cerium), posing barriers to effective methane mitigation. Conventional soil tests often emphasize macronutrients, overlooking the micronutrients vital for microbial activity. Current mitigation strategies focus on Alternating Wetting and Drying (AWD), a practice that cannot be easily implemented by low-income farmers. Furthermore, nitrous oxide emissions are being ignored or underestimated. The way forward should include a key component of agroecosystems: microbial health. Dr. Simon’s work as an environmental microbiologist answers recent global calls for action:
- Microbial solutions must be deployed against climate catastrophe
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53680-w - Launching the IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group as a global safeguard for microbial biodiversity
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-025-02113-5
PI: Dr. Simon Guerrero Cruz
Faculty: Environmental Engineering and Management, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering
