Artefactual depiction of predator–prey trophic linkages in global soils

Abstract

Soil invertebrates contribute to multiple ecosystem services, including pest control, nutrient cycling, and soil structural regulation, yet trophic interactions that determine their diversity and activity in soils remain critically understudied. Here, we systematically review literature (1966–2020) on feeding habits of soil arthropods and macrofauna and summarize empirically studied predator–prey linkages across ecosystem types, geographies and taxa. Out of 522 unique predators and 372 prey organisms (constituting 1947 predator–prey linkages), the vast majority (> 75%) are only covered in a single study. We report a mean of just 3.0 ± 4.7 documented linkages per organism, with pronounced taxonomic biases. In general, model organisms and crop pests (generally Insecta) are well-studied, while important soil-dwelling predators, fungivores and detritivores (e.g., Collembola, Chilopoda and Malacostraca) remain largely ignored. We argue that broader food-web based research approaches, considering multiple linkages per organism and targeting neglected taxa, are needed to inform science-driven management of soil communities and associated ecosystem services.

Legume integration for biological control deserves a firmer scientific base

“…Biostructure may also enable farmers to perceive and appreciate the role of biodiversity. Scientists however tend to ignore the role of biostructure, perhaps because it is comparatively easy to count species (McCann, 2007) – especially in above-ground realms (Wyckhuys et al, 2021). Clearly, as extensive as the GloBI database is, its current version contains surprisingly few relevant legume x NE interactions; its reliance upon open-access data and volunteer contributions plausibly compromises its completeness.…”

“…Actually, trans- or inter-disciplinary science is crucial to resolving global change and to mitigating the externalities of the present-day food system (Vandermeer et al, 2018). Pest management professionals in particular should strive to adopt holistic, system-level perspectives (Wyckhuys et al, 2023), taking into account below-ground realms, soil fertility, farmer knowledge and attitudes, or landscape-level dynamics (Tscharntke et al, 2021; Wyckhuys et al, 2017, 2019, 2021). The societal benefits of (legume-assisted) biological control are indeed huge, yet this is rarely apprehended.…”