Illarze Dive, Gabriela

Research interests

Research in soil microbiology plays a fundamental role in understanding and promoting sustainability in agricultural systems, as well as in mitigating environmental impacts. Nutrient dynamics in biogeochemical cycles depend on the composition and structure of the native soil microbial community. It is well established that soil quality and resilience to stress factors are closely linked to the microbial community, its abundance, enzymatic activity, and diversity. Therefore, studying microbial diversity and the dynamics of biogeochemical processes—particularly nitrogen—together with soil science studies is essential for a sound understanding of changes in nutrient availability, especially in agricultural soils. This knowledge is key for defining soil management strategies and enabling the development of more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.
In this context, I have participated in research teams working on the following lines of study: 1) Aspects of the nitrogen cycle in agricultural soils: nitrogen input through biological fixation and its loss as N₂O; 2) Microbial soil health indicators; 3) Diversity of plant growth-promoting microorganisms.

Working area

My postgraduate studies focused on microbial processes related to the nitrogen cycle, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from agricultural soils. I am interested in studying soil microbial dynamics in pursuit of sustainable production systems. This research has been developed along three main lines/projects.
The first is linked to the study of microbial populations responsible for N₂O emissions in rice systems, with a focus on nitrogen. Within this line, I carried out my Master’s in Agricultural Sciences on the nitrification and denitrification processes in rice soils, which continues through my participation in a recently funded project: “Microbial populations in grassland and rice soils of the Eastern Plains.”
The second research line is connected to my PhD in Agricultural Sciences: “Irrigation with dairy effluents: a microbiological perspective on soil fertility and environmental impact.” This research sought to understand how fertigation with dairy effluents influences the abundance, activity, and diversity of soil microorganisms and, consequently, soil fertility and forage productivity. It also aimed to assess environmental externalities related to nutrient losses as GHGs, the risk of microbial pathogenicity, and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. By understanding how microorganisms participate in the decomposition of organic residues in soil, strategies can be designed to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and minimize soil and water pollution.
More recently, I have become involved in research focused on improving soil quality and managing biodiversity in agroecosystems—two central elements for agroecological design and management that determine key ecological processes such as nutrient cycling, which sustains production. Promoting microbial activity can enhance nutrient availability to plants, reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, and increase crop resistance to diseases. In this regard, I am part of an interdisciplinary research group working on funded projects involving agroecological experimental designs aimed at developing more sustainable horticultural production systems.