A method of establishing a transect for biodiversity and ecosystem function monitoring across Europe

Stone, D.; Blomkvist, P.; Hendriksen, Niels Bohse; Bonkowski, Michael; Jørgensen, Helene Bracht; Carvalho, Filipe; Dunbar, Martha B.; Gardi, Ciro; Geisen, Stefan; Griffiths, Robert I.; Hug, Anna-Sofia; Jensen, John; Laudon, Hjalmar; Mendes, Sara; Morais, Paula V.; Orgiazzi, Alberto; Plassart, Pierre; Römbke, Jörg; Rutgers, Michiel; Schmelz, Rüdiger M.; Sousa, José Paulo; Steenbergen, E.; Suhadolc, M.; Winding, Anne; Zupan, Mateja; Lemanceau, Philippe; Creamer, Rachel

doi:10.1016/j.apsoil.2015.06.017

Cited by 34 publications

(32 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Sites were selected from 10 European countries within three bio-climatic zones (Continental, Atlantic, and Mediterranean), including also an Alpine bio-climatic group of sites consisting of grasslands only (Table 1). Site selection along the European transect was carried out as described by Stone et al (2015), in this issue). From the total of 88 selected sites, only 38 were sampled for soil microarthropods between September and November 2013 (Table 1).…”

Section: Site Selectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Traits of collembolan life-form indicate land use types and soil properties across an European transect

Silva

Carvalho

Dirilgen

et al. 2016

Applied Soil Ecology

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Section: Site Selectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Traits of collembolan life-form indicate land use types and soil properties across an European transect

Silva

Carvalho

Dirilgen

et al. 2016

Applied Soil Ecology

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“…Two different designs for 2 purposes were used in this project: To assess the structure and function of selected groups of organisms, Griffiths et al () proposed an optimized design in terms of efforts and outcomes, that is, how many samples per method should be taken on 1 plot, covering macro‐ and mesofauna in addition to 2 functional tests (bait‐lamina and water infiltration) at several dates (Figure ). Using these data, it was possible to recommend a set of methods covering important ecosystem functions (e.g., water regulation or nutrient supply). In parallel, Stone et al () studied the distribution of selected biochemical and microbial endpoints and the diversity of invertebrate groups (only the micro‐ and mesofauna, to avoid high sampling efforts like hand‐sorting of earthworms) once at approximately 90 sites in Europe, using a much simpler design: Only 20 soil cores were taken randomly from a “homogenous” plot (2 × 2 m), using predistributed material (corer rings, plastic bags, etc.) and sent to the respective laboratories for further treatment.…”

Section: Discussion: New Versus Modified Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Standard methods for the assessment of structural and functional diversity of soil organisms: A review

Römbke

Bernard

Martin-Laurent

2018

Integr Envir Assess & Manag

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The lack of standardized methods to study soil organisms prevents comparisons across data sets and the development of new global and regional experiments and assessments. Moreover, standardized methods are needed to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic stressors, such as chemicals, on soil organism communities in the regulatory context. The goal of this contribution is to summarize current methodological approaches to measure structural and functional diversity of soil organisms, and to identify gaps and methodological improvements so as to cross data sets generated worldwide. This is urgently needed because several currently ongoing regional and global soil biodiversity studies are not coordinated with one another in terms of methodology, including database development. Therefore, we evaluated the standard methods to sample, identify, determine, and assess soil organisms currently applied or proposed, using well-accepted criteria such as ecological relevance; practicability of usage in terms of resources, time, and costs; and the level of standardization. Methods addressing both the structure and the functions of soil organisms (populations or communities) are included, with a special focus on new molecular methods based on nucleic acid extraction and further analyses by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approaches for microorganisms and invertebrates. We particularly highlight the activities of the Technical Committee (TC) 190 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) because ISO guidelines are legally accredited by many national or international authorities when they put conservation laws and regulations into practice. Finally, we propose detailed recommendations regarding gaps in the available set of standards, in order to identify a list of new methods to be standardized. We propose to organize this whole process under the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative (GSBI) in order to ensure a truly global approach for the assessment of soil biodiversity. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:463-479. © 2018 SETAC.

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“…Orgiazzi et al (2016) found that organic matter decline in agricultural soils was one of the two highest threats to soil biodiversity (soil degradation threats). Soil biodiversity loss may induce a trend towards an increased organic input into the soil, as research brings new insights along with better monitoring in the EU Stone et al 2016) and societal goals and policies are in place (COP to the CBD 2010a, b; Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz, Bau und Reaktorsicherheit 2007). Reviews showed that the effects of long-term organic amendments such as compost had very positive effects on soil microbial biomass, enzymatic activity (Diacono and Montemurro 2010), and biodiversity (Larkin 2015).…”

Section: Organic Inputmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This may be triggered by improved knowledge and information about the extent of soil erosion, compaction, organic matter decline, and soil biodiversity loss and its feedback on yields at specific sites (research, ICT) (Table 3). Especially in the field of soil biodiversity, new insights from research and monitoring are to be expected Stone et al 2016).…”

Section: Behavior Concerning Soil Functionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This factor must affect plant protection strategies, Research on measures to improve soil biodiversity affecting resilience against pathogens and reducing the need for pesticides; precise application (see 5.1) reduces amounts used Increasing research, including monitoring improvements in Europe, to show the positive effects of different organic inputs on soil biodiversity (soil threats) and climate change mitigation and adaptation Stone et al 2016;Alcantara et al 2016;FAO 2016b;Diacono and Montemurro 2010;Larkin 2015;Thies et al 2015;Smith et al 2013;Berndes et al 2015;Griffiths et al 2016 in connection with 4.3.3…”

Section: Pesticidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Pressures on soil functions from soil management in Germany. A foresight review

Techen

Helming

2017

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

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Global trends in demand for biomass-based food, feed, energy, and fiber call for a sustainable intensification of agricultural production. From the perspective of sustaining soil functions, this implies the integration of soil productivity with the other soil functions and services, namely carbon sequestration, water purification and retention, and nutrient and matter cycling as well as biodiversity. Soil management is the key to this integration. The proper anticipation of future opportunities and challenges for sustainable soil management requires an analysis of drivers and trends affecting soil management. Here, we review drivers and trends of soil management and their relevance for soil functions taking Germany as an example of industrialized agricultural systems with low yield gaps. We analyzed socio-economic, biophysical and technological drivers and identified two types of future management changes: (1) Quantitative changes, i.e., more or less of the same input factors, such as fertilizers, as part of a moderate intensification. (2) Qualitative changes: There, we found the strongest signals for the following practices: higher precision and lightweight machines triggered by information and communication technology (ICT) and robotics; diversification of crop rotations, including the integration of lignocellulosic crops; inoculation with biota; and new crop varieties. Positive practices may be reinforced by a behavioral trend towards sustainable soil management, driven by increasing awareness, knowledge, and consumer demand. They offer opportunities for relieving mechanical pressures from weight and contact stress, chemical pressures from pesticides and fertilizers and promoting soil biodiversity without compromising the soil's production function. We also found threats, such as increased removal of organic residues and potentially harmful organisms. This foresight study is the first to delineate opportunities and challenges for sustainable soil management and intensification. It informs researchers who intend to improve the knowledge base for reinforcement of positive and mitigation of negative trends of soil management.

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A method of establishing a transect for biodiversity and ecosystem function monitoring across Europe

Cited by 34 publications

References 13 publications

Traits of collembolan life-form indicate land use types and soil properties across an European transect

Traits of collembolan life-form indicate land use types and soil properties across an European transect

Standard methods for the assessment of structural and functional diversity of soil organisms: A review

Pressures on soil functions from soil management in Germany. A foresight review

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