Tag Archive for: soil biodiversity

New project: Soil biodiversity baseline survey

Soil organisms ensure fertile soils and clean drinking water, build up humus and break down pollutants. However, there is often a lack of information on the actual conditions of soil organisms in Germany. To address this knowledge gap, a long-term research programme on soil biodiversity in Germany and the ecosystem services it provides has been […]

Soil biodiversity baseline survey (BioDive4Soil)

The value of soil biodiversity has long been underestimated, although it plays an essential role in healthy functioning of our ecosystems. Soil organisms contribute to nutrient cycling and carbon storage in soils, mix soil layers and help retain rainwater. However, numerous factors, such as soil contamination, unsustainable land use and climate change, have impacts on […]

Morphological and DNA-based identification methods to assess earthworm diversity

New publication on morphological and DNA-based identification methods to assess earthworm diversity

The time-consuming and expensive identification of soil invertebrates is probably the most important reason for the lack of a German nationwide and standardised survey of soil organisms. The present publication should contribute to solving this problem. Earthworms and soil were sampled at 25 sites, and the animals were identified morphologically and using DNA-based identification methods: community DNA (comDNA) and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding.

Report published on the evaluation of soil biodiversity via DNA from soil organism samples

Germany still lacks a nationwide and standardised survey of soil organisms, although a comprehensive infrastructure for such a survey is available with approx. 800 permanent soil monitoring sites (Bodendauer­beobachtungsflächen, BDF). At present, not all federal states perform biodiversity surveys on their permanent soil monitoring sites. This is most likely due to the fact that the […]

ECT remains operative during COVID-19 pandemic

ECT remains to be open and operative during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We take thorough precautions to avoid any health impact and risks for ECT employees, meaning the increase of remote work options and practicing social distancing where remote work is not possible. Access to our facilities is strongly restricted and any business travelling on […]

ECT contributes to the SETAC SciCon

In view of the current situation due to Covid-19, the SETAC Europe 30th annual meeting will take place as a virtual meeting (SETAC SciCon). ECT Oekotoxikologie as SETAC Europe partner is contributing to the scientific programme of the SETAC SciCon: In the ‘Soil ecotoxicology’ session, Jörg Römbke is co-author of a talk presented by Kees […]

Jörg Römbke elected as SETAC Fellow

The Fellows Award of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) was created to recognize SETAC members demonstrating both (1) significant long-term scientific or science policy contributions and (2) service and leadership within SETAC. Jörg Römbke has been elected as SETAC fellow in 2019 […]