At the annual meeting of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' field station, Vice President Shi Erwei honored ten young researchers with the 2013 CERN Young Outstanding Paper Award. These young scientists are making significant contributions in the fields of resource and environmental research. Shi Erwei praised their achievements, noting that many of them have continued to excel after receiving the award.
Among the awardees was Zhang Weixin, an associate researcher at the South China Botanical Garden. Under the mentorship of Fu Shenglei, he collaborated with American scholars to uncover the mechanism behind soil carbon sequestration. Their findings were published in *Nature Communications* and recognized as a highlight article.
Zhang's journey in science began long before his Ph.D. graduation in 2008. Since 2003, he has been studying cockroaches, working with entomologists from Guangdong’s Institute of Entomology and learning classification techniques under Professor Qiu Jiangping from Shanghai Jiaotong University. During this time, he discovered and named seven new species, including Heshan Yuanxiao and Dinghu Yuanxiao.
In 2007, Zhang pursued postgraduate studies at the Oldham Ecology Institute at the University of Georgia, where he worked under Professor Paul F. Hendrix on invasive ecology. His current research, guided by Fu Shenglei, focuses on ecological restoration, particularly through the study of earthworms—organisms that have fascinated scientists since Darwin.
Earthworms play a critical role in soil ecosystems, influencing both carbon cycling and soil fertility. While some studies suggest that their activity increases COâ‚‚ emissions, others highlight their benefits in improving soil quality. This contradiction has sparked debate: do earthworms contribute to climate change or help mitigate it?
Zhang and his team found that while earthworms accelerate the release of carbon dioxide initially, they also promote long-term carbon stabilization. By breaking down organic matter, they help store carbon more effectively over time. Their research introduced the concept of a "carbon sequestration coefficient" to better quantify these complex interactions.
Despite common misconceptions, Zhang emphasizes that earthworms are not inherently harmful. They enhance soil fertility and support plant growth, contributing to both short-term and long-term carbon storage. “It’s not just about the rate of COâ‚‚ release,†Zhang explains. “We need to consider the entire process and its broader ecological impact.â€
Now, the South China Botanical Garden is applying these findings in real-world settings. Field experiments are underway in Guangdong’s Heshan Forest Ecosystem, where researchers are exploring how different species interact with the environment. Although challenges remain, the results so far are promising.
Zhang admits he doesn’t particularly like animals, but he has a soft spot for earthworms. He sees them as essential tools in understanding soil dynamics and improving agricultural practices. His work aims to highlight their positive role in carbon sequestration and ecosystem health.
Ultimately, scientific research often requires looking beyond intuition. As Zhang puts it, “What seems obvious might not always be true.†With careful analysis and open-mindedness, he continues to explore the hidden connections between soil organisms and the planet’s future.
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