More Information

Research

My background is in biogeochemistry and soil ecology. My research centers on the interactions between soils and plants. Soils and plants are in a give-and-take relationship. Plants combine carbon from the atmosphere with nutrients TAKEN from soils. Then dead plants GIVE carbon and nutrients back to the soil, which new plants can then TAKE these nutrients from the soil once again. My research explores both sides of this relationship, the soil biota involved, and how humans can either interfere or enhance soil-plant interactions.

Broader Impact

Many issues in agroecosystems arise when the soil-plant relationships are out of whack – e.g. excessive soil greenhouse gas emissions, excessive nutrients leached to waterways, declines in soil health, and poor crop productivity. My research strives to inform management that enhances soil-plant synergy that leads to sustainable agro-ecosystem management.

Key Environmental Science Publications

McDaniel, M.D., L.K. Tiemann, A.S. Grandy. 2014c. Does agricultural crop diversity enhance soil microbial biomass and organic matter dynamics? A meta-analysis. Ecological Applications 24(3): 560-570. (DOI: 10.1890/13-0616.1)

McDaniel, M.D., J.P. Kaye, M.W. Kaye, M.A. Bruns. 2014. Climate change interactions affect soil CO2 efflux and microbial functioning in a post-harvest forest. Oecologia 174:1437-1448. (DOI: 10.1007/s00442-013-2845-y)

McDaniel, M.D., J.P. Kaye, M.W. Kaye. 2013. Increased temperature and precipitation had limited effects on soil extracellular enzyme activities in a post-harvest forest. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 56:90-98. (DOI: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.02.026) 

McDaniel, M.D., M.B. David, T.V. Royer. 2009. Relationships between benthic sediments and water column phosphorus in Illinois streams. Journal of Environmental Quality 38:607-617. (DOI: 10.2134/jeq2008.0094)