Journal article

Publication year: 1997

Pages: 159-193

Journal: European Journal of Soil Biology

Volume number: 33

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 1164-5563

URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221754102_Soil_function_in_a_changing_world_The_role_of_invertebrate_ecosystem_engineers

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
In this review the interactions between plant, animal and microbial components of the soil biota are represented by a model which allocates a pivotal functional role to the large, abundant invertebrates which ingest or manipulate both organic and mineral material, forming long-lasting microstructures. These invertebrates are designated soil ecosystem engineers and it is argued using data on numerical and biomass densities, geographical distribution and known functional roles, that earthworms and termites are the most important engineers in terrestrial ecosystems. Evidence is presented that they may exert influence on the diversity and activity of biota in subordinate trophic levels, for example litter transformers, micropredators and microfloras mediating fundamental nutrient transformations. Links between the activity and diversity of engineers and the physical properties of soils, including structural heterogeneity, stability, distribution of organic matter and infiltration and retention of water are also described.In considering the probable effects of global change on engineers, it is hypothesized that living plants affect both the abundance and diversity of engineers, through the quantity and quality of litter and other effects. Changes in their communities will therefore affect engineers. Expected changes in temperature will expand the latitudinal distribution of termites and favour humivorous termites and endogeic earthworm species that feed in the soil. In some regions, however, these changes will not occur since local fauna may not include representatives of these groups. Although elevated CO2 may impact engineers through effects on plant growth (notably an increase in C/N ratio), land use intensification, particularly physical disturbance of forests, is of more immediate concern as changes in the functional group balance within engineers communities can be demonstrated. In addition, exotic species of earthworms may colonize disturbed land, with adverse effects on soil structure. Disturbance affects termites by reducing diversity (especially of soil-feeding forms) and some species may reach crop pest status, owing to changes in the availability of organic matter.

Harvard Citation style: Lavelle, P., Bignell, D., Lepage, M., Wolters, V., Roger, P., Ineson, P., et al. (1997) Soil function in a changing world: the role of invertebrate ecosystem engineers, European Journal of Soil Biology, 33(4), pp. 159-193. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221754102_Soil_function_in_a_changing_world_The_role_of_invertebrate_ecosystem_engineers

APA Citation style: Lavelle, P., Bignell, D., Lepage, M., Wolters, V., Roger, P., Ineson, P., Heal, O., & Dhillion, S. (1997). Soil function in a changing world: the role of invertebrate ecosystem engineers. European Journal of Soil Biology. 33(4), 159-193. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221754102_Soil_function_in_a_changing_world_The_role_of_invertebrate_ecosystem_engineers