National Pingtung University of Science and Technology

Forest Soil and Microbial Ecology Lab

Yu-Ting Wu
https://forest-soil-microbial-ecology.mystrikingly.com

Research Field

Agriculture

Introduction

I am an ecologist, specializing in soil science, microbial ecology, mycological and mycorrhizal relevant studies.  From tiny invisible bacteria/archaea to giant fungi in the natural environment interest me, particularly about their ecosystem functioning. My research expand across several aspects, including 1. understanding the interactions between soil microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi and plant, particularly the role of microbes and mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing soil health and promoting plant growth. 2. Ecology and ecosystem functioning of deadwood inhabiting bacteria and fungi. 3. Underforest economic crops cultivation and application. 4. Application of mycorrhizal fungi to increase soil carbon sink. 5. Ecology of fungal comb in Pangolin conservation. These works are crucial for sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem management, as it helps to elucidate the complex relationships that underpin soil fertility and nutrient cycling.

My lab, Forest Soil and Microbial Ecology is dedicated to advancing research in the fields of soil ecology and microbial interactions. The lab explores the complex relationships between soil microorganisms and their environmental settings, with a focus on understanding how these dynamics influence nutrient cycling, soil health, and ecosystem functioning. Through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate microbiology, biogeochemistry, and environmental science, Professor Wu and her team investigate the roles of microbial communities in various ecosystems, including forest, agricultural, and wetland environments. The lab also emphasizes applied research to address real-world challenges such as soil degradation, sustainability, and conservation strategies. By fostering collaboration with local and international research partners, Professor Wu's lab aims to contribute valuable insights that promote environmental stewardship and sustainable land management practices in Taiwan and around the globe. Now, our lab members include PhD students, graduate-, undergraduate students and research assistants. 


Research Topics

The representative projects of the current 3 years are listed below, please access to my lab website for more research topics.

  1. Assessment and Ecosystem Functioning of Deadwood- and Airborne Saproxylic Microorganisms in Forests of Urban and National Park Areas.

        2. The Exploration of Priority Effects on the CO2 Emission Rate ,Community Assembly and Function Processes of Deadwood Inhabiting Microorganisms of Cypress in the Cloud Forest and of Fagaceae in the Tropical Forest.

        3. The Investigation on Sustainable Management of Under Forest Economics in Southern Taiwan. 

        4. The Exploration and Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi to Increase the Carbon Sink Capacity.

        5. The Analysis of Ectomycorrhizal Communities Associated with Wild Fagaceae Trees in Taiwan.

        6. Organic matter and ecology of fungal comb in Pangolin conservation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Honor
  1. Ministry of Science and Technology rewards outstanding exceptional talents (2015-2017, 2020-2022, 2024).
  2. Outstanding Teacher in Professional Teaching (2020).
  3. Outstanding Alumni of the Department of Forestry, National Chung Hsing University (2024).

Educational Background

July 2002, Bachelor, Dept. of Forestry, National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan

July 2004, Master, Dept. of Forestry, National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan

June 2008-2012, PhD, Dept. of Biology, University of Leipzig/ Bodenökologie, Helmholtz-UFZ, Germany