Bio-indicator development based on ecological theory

Many soil quality indicators are based on expert-based knowledge on the ecology of soil biota. For example, the maturity index classifies nematodes into groups according to their position on the persister-colonizer scale. These indices are often used as an aid in assessing and monitoring soil quality. While the community composition of other faunal groups (such as enchytraeids or mites) might also be informative, these animals are harder to classify into groups. Using statistical methods, and based on principles of community ecology (such as community richness, evenness, co-occurrence, etc.), we can find a grouping mechanism for these organisms that can be used as the basis for new bio-indicators for soil quality.

The aim of this study would be to find how communities will most likely be affected by typical soil disturbances, and use statistical methods to classify each species into a group. The study will be a collaboration between the Soil Quality department and Biometris.