LBL recently announced the arrival of EcoPODs, a set of new growth chambers partially funded by m-CAFEs that will enable complex, in-depth experiments.
EcoPODs are controlled environments that enable direct monitoring and manipulation of replicated plant-soil-microbe-atmosphere interactions over the complete plant life cycle. These “pilot-scale” ecosystems are designed to bridge the gap between small, lab-scale experiments that are not large enough to mimic the environment, and field-scale experiments that cannot be carefully controlled. The EcoPODs are outfitted with sensors capable of monitoring soil moisture, oxygen, and the concentration of key nutrients and can regulate temperature and humidity. The output from these sensors is integrated using computer models to gain a coherent understanding of the environment inside of the EcoPOD. To learn more, visit the EcoPOD website.
