Stable isotope labelling for soil microbial carbon dynamics

Since August 2025, the Ecotron facility of Hasselt University has integrated a Stable Isotope Labeling service for studying soil microbial carbon dynamics.

This analytical service allows researchers to trace carbon flows within soil ecosystems by applying ¹³C-labelled substrates (e.g., organic compounds or CO₂). Using Sable Isotope Probing (SIP) methodologies, the service allows identification and quantification of microbial contributions to carbon cycling processes.

The approach provides high-resolution insights into carbon transfer through the soil food web and supports research on carbon sequestration, microbial ecology, and ecosystem functioning. The service operates as a specialized analytical platform integrated within controlled experimental environments.

Link to the Ecotron website

Contact