Biological measurements in a nationwide soil monitoring network

Abstract

Summary In the Netherlands soil biological measurements are undertaken in a nationwide monitoring programme. The measurements are combined in the Biological Indicator of Soil Quality (BISQ). About 300 locations were selected in a random stratified design comprising stringent combinations of land use and soil type. All locations were sampled in a six‐year cycle. In this contribution we describe the monitoring network and the BISQ and present average values for biomass, abundances and taxonomic diversity of various soil dwelling organisms derived from 10 years of measurements. We further highlight some results and discuss the possibilities in soil and land management policy frameworks for improving sustainable land management.

Soil Degradation and Soil Quality in Western Europe: Current Situation and Future Perspectives

“…Earthworms and soil fungi are some of the most commonly studied organisms [11]. The abundance and diversity of earthworms and other soil organisms have been found to be related to land use (dairy farms display the highest numbers and arable land the lowest among non-natural sites) and soil type [75]. In France, most of the soil biological groups exhibited lower values of abundance and community richness in cropland than in meadows [76].…”

Soil organisms as an essential element of a monitoring plan to identify the effects of GMO cultivation. Requirements – Methodology – Standardisation

“…In the future, modern molecular methods could help to achieve monitoring at the species level [Holterman et al 2008;Pérez-Losada et al 2012]. Furthermore, reference systems based on the occurrence and diversity of soil invertebrate communities have been proposed [Beylich and Graefe 2009;Cluzeau et al 2012;Roembke et al 2012;Rutgers et al 2008]. However, there is still room for improvement; mainly due to a lack of data for specific land use types (i.e.…”

“…climate, soil factors, region etc.). The reference sites for biological soil quality defined in the Netherlands are one example of such a reference system [Rutgers et al 2008]. Proposals for a Europe-wide monitoring of soil quality put forward by the EU ENVASSO (Environmental Assessment of Soil for Monitoring) project also call for the development of a reference system [Beylich and Graefe 2009, Bispo et al 2009, Cluzeau et al 2012, Römbke et al 2012.…”

Effect van mest op de biologische bodemkwaliteit in de Zeeuwse akkerbouw

“…Organische stof hoort daar zeker bij omdat het centraal staat in de bodemvruchtbaarheid. (Rutgers et al 2007;2014).…”

“…(Rutgers et al, 2007 Dat betekent dat de jaarlijkse afbraak uiteen kan lopen van minder dan 500 kg per ha tot meer dan 5.000 kg per ha.…”