Biological measurements in a nationwide soil monitoring network

Authors: Rutgers, M.; Schouten, A. J.¹; Bloem, J.²; vanEekeren, N.³; deGoede, R. G. M.⁴; JagersopAkkerhuis, G. A. J. M.²; vanderWal, A.¹; Mulder, C.¹; Brussaard, L.⁴; Breure, A. M.

Source: European Journal of Soil Science, Volume 60, Number 5, October 2009 , pp. 820-832(13)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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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.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2389.2009.01163.x

Affiliations: 1: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Laboratory for Ecological Risk Assessment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, the Netherlands 2: Alterra, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands 3: Louis Bolk Institute, Hoofdstraat 24, 3972 LA Driebergen, the Netherlands 4: Department of Soil Quality, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands

Publication date: 2009-10-01