Microbial Communities as Indicators of Non-persistent Pesticides

This project aims to deliver a short-term soil microcosm experiment to reveal the soil microbial responses to application of commonly used pesticides. Analysis of the microbial communities using metabarcoding will be used to identify any consistent community changes which might be used as indicators of exposure, or to evaluate pesticide impact. These indicators would be used to interpret microbial community data from the England Ecosystem Survey, a national soil monitoring programme, to indicate possible levels of pesticide exposure. The project would involve planning stages during December 2024, with the soil microcosms being set up, initial communities sampled, and experimental treatments applied during January 2025. Subsequent sampling would occur in early February and March 2025, with a brief technical report produced before end of March 2025. To apply for this opportunity you must submit your quotation meeting the requirements detailed in the Request for Quotation (RFQ) attached. Your response must be sent to matthew.j.shepherd@naturalengland.org.uk and jonny.griffiths@naturalengland.org.uk by 5pm on 27/11/2024. If you have any clarification questions linked to this opportunity or the procurement process please submit these via email to matthew.j.shepherd@naturalengland.org.uk and jonny.griffiths@naturalengland.org.uk before 15/11/2024. Please note that, unless commercially sensitive, both the question and the response will be circulated to all tenderers.