Response of soil fauna to land use intensification in a global meta-analysis
Final Report Abstract
The intensification of land use, particularly the shift from low-input extensively managed agroecosystems to high-input intensively managed ones, is widely recognized as a major driver of global biodiversity decline, with significant impacts on soil biodiversity. Understanding how soil biodiversity responds to varying intensities of land use is crucial for effective land management, especially in the context of future land-use changes. This study systematically evaluated and quantified the effects of different forms of land-use intensification on soil organisms, including nematodes, springtails, mites, enchytraeids, and earthworms, through a meta-analysis of faunal data across global intensification gradients. Additionally, the study explored how these effects are influenced by abiotic factors such as soil properties and climate. Key findings include: Taxonomic richness of nematodes, springtails, and mites decreases under intensified land use, with nematode density notably lower in arable croplands compared to undisturbed ecosystems. In contrast, data on enchytraeids were too sparse for conclusive analysis. - Mites and springtails are particularly vulnerable to land-use intensification, with significant reductions in taxonomic richness observed across various climatic zones, especially in regions with higher annual precipitation. The negative impacts of intensification on nematode, springtail, and mite density and taxonomic richness suggest interactions between soil pH, land management practices, and soil fauna community composition. The study also found that arable cropland significantly reduces earthworm density, biomass, and species richness compared to undisturbed sites. In contrast, earthworms thrive in extensive pastures, agroforestry systems, crop management with fallow periods, and croplivestock integration. Earthworm responses to intensification were more favourable in regions with continental climates and cool summers, whereas adverse effects were exacerbated in compacted sites with low organic matter content. The study underscores the importance of region-specific and climate-sensitive land management approaches to mitigate the negative impacts of land-use intensification on soil faunal biodiversity. The findings also highlight the need for further research to address data gaps and better understand the interactive effects of various factors on soil biodiversity, guiding the development of sustainable agricultural practices that preserve soil health and biodiversity.
Publications
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Response of soil fauna to land use intensification in a global meta-analysis. In EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (pp. EGU-10271).
Betancur-Corredor, B. & Russell, D.
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A meta-analysis of the impact of land use intensification on earthworms in global agroecosystems.
Betancur-Corredor, B., Zaytsev, A. & Russell, D.
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A meta-analysis of the impact of land use intensification on selected soil fauna in global agroecosystems.
Betancur-Corredor, B., Zaytsev, A. & Russell, D.
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Concurrent adoption of multiple less intensive practices is essential for effectively preserving earthworm diversity in agroecosystems: a global meta-analysis. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
Betancur-Corredor, Bibiana; Zaitsev, Andrey & Russell, David
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Database for: Meta-analysis of the impact of land use intensification on earthworms in global agroecosystems [Data set].
Betancur-Corredor, B., Guerrero Gonzalez, D. R., Umazekabiri, R. & Wahidur, M.
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Database for: Meta-analysis of the impact of land use intensification on selected soil fauna in global agroecosystems [Data set].
Betancur-Corredor, B., Guerrero-Gonzalez, D. R., Umazekabiri, R. & Wahidur, M.
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Global Meta-Analysis of Soil Fauna Responses to Land Use Intensification in Agroecosystems: A Focus on Earthworms. In Centennial Celebration and Congress of the International Union of Soil Sciences (ID Web 136210).
Betancur Corredor, B., Zaitsev, A. & Russell, D.
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Intensified land uses lead to lower taxonomic richness of nematodes, springtails, and mites in a global meta-analysis. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
Betancur-Corredor, Bibiana; Zaitsev, Andrey & Russell, David
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Understanding the Complexity: A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Land Use Intensification on Soil Fauna in Global Agroecosystems. In EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (p. 15886).
Betancur Corredor, B., Zaitsev, A. & Russell, D.
