Stable isotope evidence for marine-derived avian inputs of nitrogen into soil, vegetation, and earthworms on the isle of Rum, Scotland, UK

The influence of seabirds on their breeding, roosting and nesting grounds: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Stable isotope analyses were a popular method for tracing MDN in recipient terrestrial environments in many of the studies (Table 2). Stable isotopes of a variety of elements (C, N, O, H and S) have been used extensively in seabird ecology for inferring foraging locations and providing insights into diet (Bond & Jones, 2009; Callaham et al, 2012; Hoenig et al, 2022) and their application as tracers of nutrient flows is well established (Hebert et al, 2006; Michener & Schell, 1994). They can easily trace seabird‐derived nutrients in coastal and island food webs because of the distinction in marine δ 15 N and δ 13 C values compared to terrestrial N and C isotopes (Harding et al, 2004).…”

Small birds, big effects: the little auk (Alle alle) transforms high Arctic ecosystems

“…[10,11,13]) suggest that seabird colonies alter terrestrial vegetation structure, increase primary productivity and fuel terrestrial food webs both above and below ground [13,14]. Seabird guano may also alter the chemical properties of fresh waters by changing nutrient concentrations and pH [21].…”

Earthworms in past and present agricultural landscapes of Hebridean Scotland

“…The aims of this investigation were to gather specific data on the earthworms present at selected current and/or previous agricultural sites in the Hebrides where seaweed was, or is still, used as a fertiliser. The Isle of Rum with historical lazybed formations (Figure 2a) was chosen to complement ongoing soil ecological research on the island [9,14,[18][19][20]. Two further, contrasting locations were selected: organic, anthropic, agricultural soils (Blacklands) of North Uist and sandy, fertile, low-lying grassy pasture (Machair) of South Uist (Figures 2b and 2c respectively).…”