Sara Cazzaniga

Dr. Sara Cazzaniga is a Researcher in the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Professorship for Global Ecosystem Ecology. Her work focuses on soil ecology, microbial interactions in agroecosystems, and the role of cover crops in enhancing soil health and suppressing pests. She investigates how plant-based manipulations influence soil microbiota and nematode communities to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Her research interests include soil microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, and the application of molecular tools like SSU rRNA sequencing to monitor soil communities. She has conducted field experiments across multiple locations to assess cover crop impacts on soil biodiversity and crop growth.

Recent studies highlight her exploration of nematode antagonists' steerability via cover crops and the legacy effects of cover crops on microbial communities. While no scientific awards are listed, her contributions to understanding belowground ecosystems are significant. She collaborates within the Global Ecosystem Ecology team at ETH Zurich and has published widely on topics like microbiome steering and sustainable agroecology.