Dr Irene Cordero Herrera

Overview

I am a soil ecologist with a particular interest in the soil microbiomes (bacteria and fungi). I study their diversity and function, how are they modified by different plant species, how are they affected by perturbations and what are the consequences for ecosystem functioning. My research mainly focuses on the effects of drought and land management in grasslands, two major threads that are expected to increase due climate change and the ever-increasing demand for food production. My ultimate goal is not only to produce new insights into the mechanisms by which soil microbiomes respond to climate extremes, but will also to generate new knowledge fundamental to better understanding the challenges that our grasslands and global food security will face in the future. My research is funded by a BBSRC Discovery Fellowship. 

Email: irene.cordero@manchester.ac.uk