Ecological network analysis reveals the inter-connection between soil biodiversity and ecosystem function as affected by land use across Europe

Creamer, R.E.; Hannula, S.E.; Van Leeuwen, J.P.; Stone, D.; Rutgers, M.; Schmelz, R.M.; de Ruiter, P.C.; Hendriksen, N. Bohse; Bolger, T.; Bouffaud, M.L.; Buee, M.; Carvalho, F.; Costa, D.; Dirilgen, T.; Francisco, R.; Griffiths, B.S.; Griffiths, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3341-4547; Martin, F.; Martins da Silva, P.; Mendes, S.; Morais, P.V.; Pereira, C.; Philippot, L.; Plassart, P.; Redecker, D.; Römbke, J.; Sousa, J.P.; Wouterse, M.; Lemanceau, P.. 2016 Ecological network analysis reveals the inter-connection between soil biodiversity and ecosystem function as affected by land use across Europe [in special issue: Soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions across Europe: a transect covering variations in bio-geographical zones, land use and soil properties] Applied Soil Ecology, 97. 112-124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2015.08.006

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2015.08.006

Abstract/Summary

Soil organisms are considered drivers of soil ecosystem services (primary productivity, nutrient cycling, carbon cycling, water regulation) associated with sustainable agricultural production. Soil biodiversity was highlighted in the soil thematic strategy as a key component of soil quality. The lack of quantitative standardised data at a large scale has resulted in poor understanding of how soil biodiversity could be incorporated into legislation for the protection of soil quality. In 2011, the EcoFINDERS (FP7) project sampled 76 sites across 11 European countries, covering five biogeographical zones (Alpine, Atlantic, Boreal, Continental and Mediterranean) and three land-uses (arable, grass, forestry). Samples collected from across these sites ranged in soil properties; soil organic carbon (SOC), pH and texture. To assess the range in biodiversity and ecosystem function across the sites, fourteen biological methods were applied as proxy indicators for these functions. These methods measured the following: microbial diversity: DNA yields (molecular biomass), archaea, bacteria, total fungi and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; micro fauna diversity: nematode trophic groups; meso fauna diversity: enchytraeids and Collembola species; microbial function: nitrification, extracellular enzymes, multiple substrate induced respiration, community level physiological profiling and ammonia oxidiser/nitrification functional genes. Network analysis was used to identify the key connections between organisms under the different land use scenarios. Highest network density was found in forest soils and lowest density occurred in arable soils. Key taxomonic units (TUs) were identified in each land-use type and in relation to SOC and pH categorisations. Top-connected taxonomic units (i.e. displaying the most co-occurrence to other TUs) were identified for each land use type. In arable sites this was dominated by bacteria and fungi, while in grassland sites bacteria and fungi were most connected. In forest soils archaeal, enchytraeid and fungal TUs displayed the largest number of neighbours, reflecting the greatest connectivity. Multiple regression models were applied to assess the potential contribution of soil organisms to carbon cycling and storage and nutrient cycling of specifically nitrogen and phosphorus. Key drivers of carbon cycling were microbial biomass, basal respiration and fungal richness; these three measures have often been associated with carbon cycling in soils. Regression models of nutrient cycling were dependent on the model applied, showing variation in biological indicators.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2015.08.006
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Acreman
ISSN:	0929-1393
Additional Keywords:	soil biodiversity, ecosystem function, carbon cycling and storage, nitrogen, phosphorus, nutrient cycling, network analysis
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Agriculture and Soil Science
Date made live:	03 Feb 2016 16:25 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/512456

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2015.08.006

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Acreman

ISSN:

0929-1393

Additional Keywords:

soil biodiversity, ecosystem function, carbon cycling and storage, nitrogen, phosphorus, nutrient cycling, network analysis

NORA Subject Terms:

Ecology and Environment
Agriculture and Soil Science