Research
I use molecular tools to study the effects of nitrogen and sulphur fertilization in conjunction with mounding on the soil microbial community in low-productivity forest stands. Within this framework, I try to elucidate the relationships between microbial functional group abundance, diversity and ecosystem possesses. My main research site is located in the Aleza Lake Research Forest near Prince George, BC.
Background
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Wilfrid Laurier University (2005), and a MSc in Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Guelph in (2007), where I researched the long-term effects of transgenic cropping systems on the soil microbial community. My work with soil microorganisms continued as a biologist at the Pacific Forestry Centre (Department of Natural Resources) in Victoria, B.C., where I researched the effects of tree thinning and clear-cutting on the abundance and diversity of nitrogen cycling bacteria and archaea.
Fun
I train and teach Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Dynamic MMA in Vancouver.
Selected Publications
Levy-Booth DJ, Winder RS. 2010. Quantification of nitrogen reductase and nitrate reductase gene abundance in soil of thinned and clear-cut Douglas-fir stands using real-time PCR. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 76, 7116-7125.
Levy-Booth DJ, Campbell RG, Gulden RH, Powell JR, Klironomos JN, Pauls KP, Swanton CJ, Trevors JT, Dunfield KE. 2009. Roundup Ready® soybean gene concentrations in field soil aggregate size classes. FEMS Microbiology Letters 291, 175-179.
Powell JR, Levy-Booth DJ, Gulden RH, Asbil W, Campbell RG, Dunfield KE, Hamill A, Hart MM, Lerat S, Nurse R, Pauls KP, Sikkema P, Swanton CJ, Trevors JT, Klironomos JN. 2009. Effects of genetically-modified, herbicide-tolerant crops and their management on soil food web properties and crop litter decomposition. Applied Journal of Ecology 46, 388–396.
Levy-Booth DJ, Campbell RG, Gulden RH, Hart MM, Powell JR, Klironomos JN, Pauls KP, Swanton CJ, Trevors JT, Dunfield KE. 2008. Real-time polymerase chain reaction monitoring of recombinant DNA entry into soil from decomposing Roundup Ready leaf biomass. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 56, 6339-6347.
Levy-Booth DJ, Campbell RG, Gulden RH, Hart MM, Powell JR, Klironomos JN, Pauls KP, Swanton CJ, Trevors JT, Dunfield KE. 2007. Cycling of Extracellular DNA in soil. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 39, 2977-2991.