Soil
Biodiversity indicator and monitoring method
WHY SOIL?
Soil is the foundation of functioning ecosystems and productive agriculture.
It supports an enormous diversity of organisms that contribute to nutrient cycling, plant growth and the formation and stabilisation of soil structure.
Soil biodiversity is therefore an important biological indicator of soil health and can provide insights into the functional capacity and resilience of soils.
WHAT is measured?
Using environmental DNA (eDNA), bacteria, fungi and soil-dwelling animals can be detected directly from a soil sample.
In addition, nematodes provide indications of soil condition.
This makes it possible to identify soil quality, pressures and ecological processes at an early stage.
HOW is it measured?
Soil samples are collected and analysed in the laboratory.
In eDNA analysis, genetic material is extracted directly from the soil sample. Using eDNA metabarcoding, a wide range of organisms can be identified simultaneously from a single mixed sample based on universal genetic markers.
In addition, nematodes are extracted and analysed from a separate sample: automated microscopy and artificial intelligence are used to count and identify organisms and to calculate indices.