Abstract
Introduction – There are increasing pressures on soil biodiversity and soil degradation remains
a pertinent issue. In this context, one aim of the EcoFINDERS European project was to assess
the impact of agricultural extensification, across a broad range of European land-use systems,
on the relationships between soil biodiversity and ecosystem services. Special attention was
given to the relation between i) soil biodiversity and aggregate stability, and ii) earthworms and
soil macroporosity and water infiltration.
Method - Data from seven long-term field studies (France, Germany, United-Kingdom, Slovenia,
Denmark) on replicated plots of different land management scenarios (grassland, arable
cropping, mixed crop-grassland, reduced or conventional tillage) were analysed. Earthworms
were sampled using hand sorting and chemical extraction. Aggregate stability was measured
using wet sieving method. Macropore distribution (i.e. numbers and diameter of earthworm
burrows) was quantified at different horizontal layers. Infiltration rates were measured as the
saturated hydraulic conductivity.
Results – Data analysis demonstrated that earthworm community (species, ecological groups)
was affected by land use and management practices. Aggregate stability in the top layer was
significantly different among management treatments: higher under grassland than crop, and
higher under reduced tillage than conventional tillage. Moreover, aggregate stability could
significantly increase with earthworm biomass (anecic, endogeic). Burrow distribution was
impacted by managements, likewise water infiltration capacity (permanent arable <mixed cropgrassland
<permanent grassland; conventional <reduced or minimal tillage). Water infiltration
capacity was related to functional diversity in earthworms, through the mediation of specific soil
macropores by various species; pore systems and burrows that were connected to the soil
surface contributed most efficiently to water infiltration rates.
Conclusion – These observations indicate that less intensive managements result in increasing
earthworm functional biodiversity, providing better soil structure and water infiltration. These
results provide more quantitative insights that allow for ecohydrological modelling (forecasting)
and economic valuation.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Book of Abstracts of the First Global Soil Biodiversity Conference |
Pages | 517 |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Event | First Global Soil Biodiversity Conference, Dijon, France - Duration: 2 Dec 2014 → 5 Dec 2014 |
Conference
Conference | First Global Soil Biodiversity Conference, Dijon, France |
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Period | 2/12/14 → 5/12/14 |