Dual stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of soil invertebrates and their food sources

Schmidt, Olaf; Curry, James; Dyckmans, Jens; Rota, Emilia; Scrimgeour, Charles M.

doi:10.1016/j.pedobi.2003.12.003

Cited by 104 publications

(71 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…In this regard, our results agree with recent work in a terrestrial ecosystem, which indicated that enchytraeids were not preferentially incorporating the most recent C inputs (Briones and Ineson 2002). This conclusion is further supported by reports of similar C and N isotope values in enchytraeids and endogeic earthworms, which use C derived from older decomposing material (Scheu and Falca 2000;Schmidt et al 2004). It is also possible, however, that the input rates of organic matter from Spartina may not be great enough to reflect the preferential use of this recent C by enchytraeids.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 67%

Effects of non-native Spartina patens on plant and sediment organic matter carbon incorporation into the local invertebrate community

et al. 2010

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The cycling of organic matter through food webs is a fundamental process that may be altered by the invasion of non-indigenous plants. We explored consequences of the invasion of non-indigenous Spartina patens to the composition of soil organic matter (SOM) and to detritivore and herbivore diets in the upper salt marsh within Corrubedo National Park, northwest Spain. We tested for the incorporation of S. patens carbon (C) into SOM and by detritivores and herbivores using stable isotope analysis, focusing primarily on detritivorous enchytraeid oligochaetes and herbivorous insects. Stable isotope results indicated that C derived from S. patens has been incorporated into SOM. Elevated densities of enchytraeids in stands of S. patens, and their incorporation of C derived from this plant, suggested that dense patches of S. patens may facilitate detritivore populations. In contrast, although insect herbivores used S. patens as habitat, there was little isotopic evidence for the widespread incorporation of S. patens-derived C by these consumers. The population and dietary response of enchytraeids to S. patens suggests that S. patens invasion could indirectly influence soil processes and pathways mediated by detritivore activity (e.g., soil respiration rates, nutrient retention and transformation, energy flow). The loss of food resources to insect herbivores alters local food webs. However, insect herbivores may move and feed on native plants elsewhere. As a result, insect populations may be less immediately impacted than soil detritivore populations by S. patens. Our study suggests that the influences of S. patens invasion extend beyond the more obvious changes in native plant abundance, to include differing responses in the cycling of organic matter between detritivore and insect herbivore food web pathways.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 67%

Effects of non-native Spartina patens on plant and sediment organic matter carbon incorporation into the local invertebrate community

et al. 2010

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“…The total litter and SOC-derived carbon in earthworm tissues were then calculated with the combination of data such as earthworm biomass, water content (assumed to be 0.75) and earthworm carbon content. A simple mixing model was used to calculate the fraction of litter-derived carbon in soil 30 . The equation used was:…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Earthworms facilitate carbon sequestration through unequal amplification of carbon stabilization compared with mineralization

et al. 2013

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A recent review concluded that earthworm presence increases CO 2 emissions by 33% but does not affect soil organic carbon stocks. However, the findings are controversial and raise new questions. Here we hypothesize that neither an increase in CO 2 emission nor in stabilized carbon would entirely reflect the earthworms' contribution to net carbon sequestration. We show how two widespread earthworm invaders affect net carbon sequestration through impacts on the balance of carbon mineralization and carbon stabilization. Earthworms accelerate carbon activation and induce unequal amplification of carbon stabilization compared with carbon mineralization, which generates an earthworm-mediated 'carbon trap'. We introduce the new concept of sequestration quotient to quantify the unequal processes. The patterns of CO 2 emission and net carbon sequestration are predictable by comparing sequestration quotient values between treatments with and without earthworms. This study clarifies an ecological mechanism by which earthworms may regulate the terrestrial carbon sink.

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“…This approach, while widely used, has the drawback that only the material that passes through the gut of an organism undamaged can be determined (Chamberlain et al 2006a, b), while there is usually a large component of unidentifiable material remaining (Davis 1981). The use of stable isotopic analyses in soil food web studies has made it easier for ecologists to assess the role of soil organisms (Neilson et al 1998;Briones et al 1999;Scheu and Falca 2000;Schmidt et al 2004;Staddon 2004). More importantly, assumptions about feeding preferences of species have been changed as a result of the use of this technique (Chamberlain et al 2006a).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Food choice of Antarctic soil arthropods clarified by stable isotope signatures

et al. 2007

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Antarctic soil ecosystems are amongst the most simplified on Earth and include only few soil arthropod species, generally believed to be opportunistic omnivorous feeders. Using stable isotopic analyses, we investigated the food choice of two common and widely distributed Antarctic soil arthropod species using natural abundances of 13 C and 15 N and an isotope labelling study. In the laboratory we fed the isotomid springtail Cryptopygus antarcticus six potential food sources (one algal species, two lichens and three mosses). Our results showed a clear preference for algae and lichens rather than mosses. These results were corroborated by field data comparing stable isotope signatures from the most dominant cryptogams and soil arthropods (C. antarcticus and the oribatid mite Alaskozetes antarcticus). Thus, for the first time in an Antarctic study, we present clear evidence that these soil arthropods show selectivity in their choice of food and have a preference for algae and lichens above mosses.

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Dual stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of soil invertebrates and their food sources

Cited by 104 publications

References 38 publications

Effects of non-native Spartina patens on plant and sediment organic matter carbon incorporation into the local invertebrate community

Effects of non-native Spartina patens on plant and sediment organic matter carbon incorporation into the local invertebrate community

Earthworms facilitate carbon sequestration through unequal amplification of carbon stabilization compared with mineralization

Food choice of Antarctic soil arthropods clarified by stable isotope signatures

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