Understanding biological diversity in soil: The UK's Soil Biodiversity Research Programme

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael B. Usher ◽  
Andrew R.J. Sier ◽  
Mike Hornung ◽  
Peter Millard
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Biodiversity Research

Challenges related to soil biodiversity research in agroecosystems - Issues within the context of scale of observation

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. 231-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Fox ◽  
K. B. MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Soil Biota ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Anthropogenic Influences ◽  
Soil Functions ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Soil System ◽  
Biodiversity Research ◽  
Research Challenges

Soil biodiversity, the study of the variety of life in the soil, has received increasing attention as an outcome of recent national and international initiatives, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, and various programs related to sustainable development of agroecosystems. The broad objectives of this paper are to set the stage for a “state of the art” review of soil biodiversity research in Canadian agricultural systems, to highlight the relevance of soil biodiversity studies at various scales of observation, to acknowledge the importance of soil biodiversity to the soil system with respect to soil functions, and processes and to suggest research challenges and opportunities. Study scale is of critical importance as it determines both the kind of soil biodiversity information and the feasible level of detail (spatially and temporally). At all scales from global to national to regional to landscape to ecosystems ranging to even fine scales of habitat niches at soil particle level, soil biota respond to the physical, chemical and biological constraints of their environment as mediated by environmental and anthropogenic influences. For example, at the landscape level, there exists a mosaic of ecosystems that can be characterized as a continuum ranging from unmanaged (natural), uncontrolled systems regulated primarily by environmental influences to managed, controlled systems regulated primarily by anthropogenic influences. In agroecosystems, soil biota contribute to the decomposition of crop residues and nutrient cycling, soil aggregation and water infiltration, suppression of soil-borne diseases and pests, and detoxification of chemicals. The intensity and duration of environmental and anthropogenic influences on these soil biota will affect their spatial and temporal distribution within this continuum of ecosystems occurring in the landscape and thereby also affect the extent of their capability for contributing towards soil functions and processes. Within this spatial and temporal context, research challenges are discussed. Key words: Soil biodiversity, scale of observation, agroecosystems, soil quality

scholarly journals The Structure of Jhum (Traditional Shifting Cultivation System): Prospect or Threat to Climate

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 16-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaushik Bhagawati ◽  
Goutom Bhagawati ◽  
Ranjan Das ◽  
Rupankar Bhagawati ◽  
S.V. Ngachanngachan
Keyword(s):  
Shifting Cultivation ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Carbon Sink ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Natural Phenomenon ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Cultivation System ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Life Styles

The knowledge behind the culture and beliefs of indigenous community needs to be harnessed and should be used to complement the modern technologies and policies for better and sustainable use of biological resources and increase resilience of the sector associated. The main objective of the current research was to study Jhum (Traditional Shifting Cultivation System) and the cycles and culture associated with it. The study was done in northeast Himalayan region of India and phenomenological approach was used. The research reveals that Jhum is the component of traditional agro-ecosystem encompassing diverse set of knowledge and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional life-styles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources for their livelihood. The cycle associated with the system reflects the synergy of practices with the natural phenomenon and indicators. Contrary to common modern belief, Jhum is carbon sink, maintain soil health, preserve biological diversity and sustain local climate. Forest clearing during Jhum is not deforestation but forest modification allowing forest regrowth during sufficiently long fallow. Fundamentally, Jhum as a system is an integrated approach to establish agro-ecosystem in the difficult terrains of tropical hill regions that involve forest, soil, biodiversity and livestock management through their culture, tradition and rituals that coevolved with associated ecosystem. Instead of being threat to climate or environment, the system can provide deeper insight into the many different aspects of sustainable and climate resilient development; and the interrelated role of local peoples and their cultures.

Earthworms and agricultural systems: Status of knowledge and research in Canada

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. 265-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Tomlin ◽  
C. A. Fox
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Soil System ◽  
Earthworm Species

Since the ratification of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, there has been increased interest in issues related to biodiversity, particularly with respect to soil biodiversity and the influence of agricultural practices. This paper is one of a series of papers contributing to a state of the art review initiated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on the status of soil biodiversity research in Canada, particularly with respect to agroecosystems. The objectives of this paper are to provide an overview of earthworm species distribution in Canada by province and territory, and to review research that illuminates our understanding of the ecological relationships of earthworms in agricultural systems. Most Canadian earthworm species are considered exotics having generally been dependent on human activity for their introduction and dispersal throughout the Canadian landscape. Twenty-seven earthworm species have been identified so far in Canada; of these, eight species are native to North America. Suggestions for future research on earthworm biodiversity within an agricultural context are discussed including: the need for increased spatial and temporal information on earthworm distributions across Canada, particularly with respect to Canada’s varied agroecosystems and landscapes; information on the ecology of earthworms with respect to their contributions to the soil system and their interactions with other soil fauna; the need for ecosystem process models relating earthworm contributions to soil structure formation and transport of materials and nutrients within the soil system; and the need to determine threshold levels of earthworm species associations in order to optimise effectively their contributions to soil quality and plant growth. To facilitate these studies, expansion of taxonomic expertise and capability across Canada will be required. Key words: Earthworms, agroecosystems, ecology, species distribution, soil biodiversity

scholarly journals Biodiversity: Research and Conservation reaches volume 50! Looking back and forward

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Bogdan Jackowiak ◽  
Zbigniew Celka ◽  
Elżbieta Obarska
Keyword(s):  
Review Process ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Online Version ◽  
Nature Protection ◽  
Biodiversity Research ◽  
Paper Form ◽  
The Subject ◽  
High Level ◽  
Looking Back ◽  
Diversity Research

Abstract For 12 years, Biodiversity: Research and Conservation has been publishing scientific articles in the area of taxonomy, chorology, ecology and nature protection. In accordance with the journal’s profile adopted from the very beginning, the subject of publications are plants in the wide, traditional perspective of this group of organisms, as well as fungi and lichens. Over 12 years, 345 scientific articles were published in the journal’s pages. The frequency in individual sections is as follows: Variability, taxonomy and phylogeny – 95, Chorology – 92, Ecology – 79, Nature protection – 51, other topics – 28. The authors of these articles are 468 scientists from 28 countries. To ensure a high level of publications, the submitted works are send for review. To date, 171 scientists specializing in biological diversity research participated in the review process. Biodiversity: Research and Conservation, published at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland), is open for the authors from the whole world and attracts a growing interest among researchers and readers. The data presented in this article show that this journal is read in a growing number of countries. It reaches readers mostly through its online version, but it is still published also in the traditional paper form, with the possibility of including colour photographs and figures.

The European Journal of Soil Biology: A catalyst for soil biodiversity research

2021 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 103262
Author(s):  
Stefan Geisen ◽  
Martin Hartmann ◽  
Christoph C. Tebbe
Keyword(s):  
Soil Biology ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Biodiversity Research

Letters. Biological diversity

1983 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 160-160
Author(s):  
David Whitman
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity
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