The QBS-ar Index: a Sensitive Tool to Assess the Effectiveness of an Agroecological Practice in the Italian Alpine Region

Maienza, Anita; Baronti, Silvia; Lanini, G.M.; Ugolini, Francesca; Ungaro, Fabrizio; Vaccari, Francesco Primo

doi:10.1007/s42729-022-00923-8

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 15 publications

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“…To cope with methodological and logistical limitations, additional approaches such as soil biodiversity indices (e.g. QBS-ar, Maienza et al ., 2022) and DNA metabarcoding (e.g. via environmental DNA (eDNA), Rota et al ., 2020) are increasingly applied also in alpine habitats.…”

Section: Soil Invertebratesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biodiversity in mountain soils above the treeline

Praeg,

Steinwandter,

Urbach

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Despite the importance of healthy soils for human livelihood, wellbeing, and safety, current gaps in our knowledge and understanding of biodiversity in soil are numerous, undermining conservation efforts. These gaps are particularly wide in mountain regions where healthy soils are especially important for human safety and yet evidence is accumulating of ongoing degradation, posing significant threats to ecosystem functioning and human settlements.To analyse these gaps in detail, we synthesise current research on the global diversity of microorganisms, cryptogams, and invertebrates in mountain soils above the treeline. This synthesis is based on a semi-quantitative survey of the literature and an expert-based analysis. Our work reveals not only deficiencies in geographic cover but also significant gaps in taxonomic coverage, particularly among soil protists and invertebrates, and a lack of (functional and ecological) description of the uncultivated majority of prokaryotes, fungi, and protists. We subsequently build on this overview to highlight opportunities for research on mountain soils as systems of co-occurring species that interact in complex environmental matrices to fulfil critical functions and make essential contributions to life on land.Closing gaps in biodiversity research in mountain soil is crucial to enhance our understanding and to promote laws and guidelines advancing international soil biodiversity conservation targets in mountains. Addressing sparse and biased data, recognizing the impact of environmental changes on mountain ecosystems, and advocating dedicated policies are essential strategies to safeguard mountain soils and their biodiversity.GLOSSARY

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Section: Soil Invertebratesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biodiversity in mountain soils above the treeline

Praeg,

Steinwandter,

Urbach

et al. 2023

Preprint

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The Development of Soil Science in Tuscany

Cassi,

Calzolari,

Costantini

et al. 2024

Soil Science in Italy

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Assessing soil quality of Italian Western Alps protected areas by QBS-ar: impact of management and habitat type on soil microarthropods

Fusco,

Fortini,

Casale

et al. 2023

Environ Monit Assess

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Soil fauna has a crucial importance for the functioning of ecosystems and their conservation. Soil biota has a role in soil formation and distribution of organic matter, and groups like microarthropods can be used as indicators to assess soil quality and are often employed in monitoring programs. In the present study, the QBS-ar index, an index based on the presence/absence of microarthropod groups, was used to assess the level of soil quality in nine different sampling sites in the “Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime” and in the “Parco Naturale del Marguareis” (Cuneo, Piedmont). Forest soils, with different degree of management, and open environments (e.g., grasslands and peatlands) were analyzed comparatively, to investigate whether microarthropod fauna might be influenced by management and habitat type.The results show QBS-ar values are significantly higher in woodland soils compared to grasslands and peatlands (p < 0.05). The latter shows no significant difference between each other, although grasslands show a large range of values (108–214). Forest management does not seem to influence QBS-ar values (183–239), showing stable microarthropod communities both in the managed and unmanaged areas. In addition to this, QBS-ar values do not differ significantly in the different forest coenoses, confirming that woodlands have similar index values (p = 0.7).This study confirms that QBS-ar values in natural areas can vary depending on the environment. It is therefore important to consider clustering habitat types before assessing quality classes for QBS-ar values. Finally, sustainable forest management in the study area does not seem to affect significantly soil microarthropod presence in woodland sites.

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The QBS-ar Index: a Sensitive Tool to Assess the Effectiveness of an Agroecological Practice in the Italian Alpine Region

Cited by 4 publications

References 15 publications

Biodiversity in mountain soils above the treeline

Biodiversity in mountain soils above the treeline

The Development of Soil Science in Tuscany

Assessing soil quality of Italian Western Alps protected areas by QBS-ar: impact of management and habitat type on soil microarthropods

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