The University of Toledo

Associate Professor, Soil Ecology

Research and Teaching Interests:

• Soil Ecology
• Ecosystem Ecology
• Plant-Soil Interactions
• Biogeochemistry

(419) 530-2585
michael.weintraub@utoledo.edu

Global climate change, nutrient deposition, changes in plant community composition, increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, and other disturbances all have the potential to alter important ecosystem properties such as nutrient availability to both plants and soil microbes, soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition rates, and the quantity and quality of carbon (C) inputs to the soil. However, in many cases we don’t understand the mechanisms underlying important ecosystem processes well enough to predict the effects of disturbances. Since soil microorganisms mediate C and nutrient fluxes, we need a better understanding of their role in regulating biogeochemical processes in order to predict how ecosystems will respond to changes.

In an effort to improve our understanding of how ecosystems function and predict their responses to disturbances, my goal is to gain insight into the controls on soil nutrient dynamics and SOM decomposition by linking the ecology of soil microorganisms to ecosystem processes.

    >> Read more on Dr. Weintraub's website.

• EEES - 1130 DOWN TO EARTH ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE [3 hours]
  Evaluation of environmental controversies using ecology, economics and human values. Issues range from global change, overpopulation, food production, pollution, disease, and endangered species to unique habitats including rainforests and coral reefs. (Not for credit in the major) [Fall, Spring]. General Education Natural Sciences core course.
   
• EEES - 2200 CLIMATE CHANGE [3 hours]
  An overview of the understanding of climate change and role of human activities, including atmospheric processes, greenhouse effect, carbon cycling, physical evidence, impacts, and proposed global actions in response. Cross-listed as GEPL 2200. [Spring] (Offered in a Distance Learning format)
   
• EEES - 4250/5250 SOIL ECOLOGY [3 hours]
  Underlying concepts and theory of modern soil ecology will be reviewed including spatial and temporal distributions, sampling methods, biogeochemical cycles and ecological functions of soil. [Spring] Prerequisite: EEES 3050 or EEES 4240.
   
• EEES - 4260/5260 SOIL ECOLOGY Lab [1 hour]
  Ecological significance of soil biotic and abiotic properties that mediate plant productivity, community composition, and ecosystem function. Specific goals are to examine the (1) relationships among the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and their influence on soil fertility; (2) linkages between soil microorganisms and their environment; and (3) impacts of human activities on soil function. [Spring, alternate odd years]