AbstractAgriculture benefits from soil functions, whereof many depend on soil biota, but some management practices can threaten soil organisms. We inventoried values that European farmers associate to soils and soil biota into their soil management decisions. We used Dewey's pragmatic epistemology, stating that values can be observed through active behaviours, attitudes and communication acts. We applied a plural values framework on a dataset composed of 35 scientific articles and five focus groups. Farmers saw the soil as a single object. They hardly distinguished soil biota from other elements in their soils. Soil biota remained poorly known and little valued. Besides instrumental values, many other values, such as soil ecosystem resilience, influence farmers' management choices. We conclude that soils and soil biota values are plural and that they can evolve along with changes in farmers' practices. Further studies investigating values dynamics in time and space could be beneficial for designing an effective European soil conservation policy.
National audience ; For more than 15 years, there has been a progressive reinforcement of legislation related to biosolid utilization in the EU, particularly in France. There is a particular concern about effects on soil organisms, even though sludge spreading has been shown to have a favorable effect on soil biological characteristics by stimulating microbial activity and biomass. Generally, soil amendment of organic matter via sludge application also favors soil invertebrates and abundance of Carabidae, earthworms, nematodes, and mesofauna. However, the responses of organisms to sludge application are specific. Changes in microbial and invertebrate community structure such as a decrease of species and functional diversity was also observed, especially if sludge is contaminated by heavy metals. The present results aimed to assess effects of different biosolids, including sewage sludge, composts, coal ashes and household waste ashes on soil biota. Each type of biosolid was applied manually to each plot (40 m2) according to regulations (four applications of 10 t ha−1 within 10 yr, representing 160 kg of dry matter for each plot). Spreadings have stopped in 2002, and soil biological assessment was carried out in 2010. Biological indicators included bacterial diversity, enzymatic activity, microarthropods and macrofauna abundance and diversity. Some functional indicators, including biostructures, were also studied. Pedologic and agronomic effects have shown the positive effect of biosolids on soil fertility, without serious contamination by heavy metals or organic pollutants. The present results concerning soil biota show no significant effect on soil biota and functional parameters measured.
For more than 15 years, there has been a progressive reinforcement of legislation related to biosolid utilization in the EU, particularly in France. There is a particular concern about effects on soil organisms, even though sludge spreading has been shown to have a favorable effect on soil biological characteristics by stimulating microbial activity and biomass. Generally, soil amendment of organic matter via sludge application also favors soil invertebrates and abundance of Carabidae, earthworms, nematodes, and mesofauna. However, the responses of organisms to sludge application are specific. Changes in microbial and invertebrate community structure such as a decrease of species and functional diversity was also observed, especially if sludge is contaminated by heavy metals. The present results aimed to assess effects of different biosolids, including sewage sludge, composts, coal ashes and household waste ashes on soil biota. Each type of biosolid was applied manually to each plot (40 m2) according to regulations (four applications of 10 t ha−1 within 10 yr, representing 160 kg of dry matter for each plot). Spreadings have stopped in 2002, and soil biological assessment was carried out in 2010. Biological indicators included bacterial diversity, enzymatic activity, microarthropods and macrofauna abundance and diversity. Some functional indicators, including biostructures, were also studied. Pedologic and agronomic effects have shown the positive effect of biosolids on soil fertility, without serious contamination by heavy metals or organic pollutants. The present results concerning soil biota show no significant effect on soil biota and functional parameters measured.
National audience ; For more than 15 years, there has been a progressive reinforcement of legislation related to biosolid utilization in the EU, particularly in France. There is a particular concern about effects on soil organisms, even though sludge spreading has been shown to have a favorable effect on soil biological characteristics by stimulating microbial activity and biomass. Generally, soil amendment of organic matter via sludge application also favors soil invertebrates and abundance of Carabidae, earthworms, nematodes, and mesofauna. However, the responses of organisms to sludge application are specific. Changes in microbial and invertebrate community structure such as a decrease of species and functional diversity was also observed, especially if sludge is contaminated by heavy metals. The present results aimed to assess effects of different biosolids, including sewage sludge, composts, coal ashes and household waste ashes on soil biota. Each type of biosolid was applied manually to each plot (40 m2) according to regulations (four applications of 10 t ha−1 within 10 yr, representing 160 kg of dry matter for each plot). Spreadings have stopped in 2002, and soil biological assessment was carried out in 2010. Biological indicators included bacterial diversity, enzymatic activity, microarthropods and macrofauna abundance and diversity. Some functional indicators, including biostructures, were also studied. Pedologic and agronomic effects have shown the positive effect of biosolids on soil fertility, without serious contamination by heavy metals or organic pollutants. The present results concerning soil biota show no significant effect on soil biota and functional parameters measured.
National audience ; For more than 15 years, there has been a progressive reinforcement of legislation related to biosolid utilization in the EU, particularly in France. There is a particular concern about effects on soil organisms, even though sludge spreading has been shown to have a favorable effect on soil biological characteristics by stimulating microbial activity and biomass. Generally, soil amendment of organic matter via sludge application also favors soil invertebrates and abundance of Carabidae, earthworms, nematodes, and mesofauna. However, the responses of organisms to sludge application are specific. Changes in microbial and invertebrate community structure such as a decrease of species and functional diversity was also observed, especially if sludge is contaminated by heavy metals. The present results aimed to assess effects of different biosolids, including sewage sludge, composts, coal ashes and household waste ashes on soil biota. Each type of biosolid was applied manually to each plot (40 m2) according to regulations (four applications of 10 t ha−1 within 10 yr, representing 160 kg of dry matter for each plot). Spreadings have stopped in 2002, and soil biological assessment was carried out in 2010. Biological indicators included bacterial diversity, enzymatic activity, microarthropods and macrofauna abundance and diversity. Some functional indicators, including biostructures, were also studied. Pedologic and agronomic effects have shown the positive effect of biosolids on soil fertility, without serious contamination by heavy metals or organic pollutants. The present results concerning soil biota show no significant effect on soil biota and functional parameters measured.
National audience ; For more than 15 years, there has been a progressive reinforcement of legislation related to biosolid utilization in the EU, particularly in France. There is a particular concern about effects on soil organisms, even though sludge spreading has been shown to have a favorable effect on soil biological characteristics by stimulating microbial activity and biomass. Generally, soil amendment of organic matter via sludge application also favors soil invertebrates and abundance of Carabidae, earthworms, nematodes, and mesofauna. However, the responses of organisms to sludge application are specific. Changes in microbial and invertebrate community structure such as a decrease of species and functional diversity was also observed, especially if sludge is contaminated by heavy metals. The present results aimed to assess effects of different biosolids, including sewage sludge, composts, coal ashes and household waste ashes on soil biota. Each type of biosolid was applied manually to each plot (40 m2) according to regulations (four applications of 10 t ha−1 within 10 yr, representing 160 kg of dry matter for each plot). Spreadings have stopped in 2002, and soil biological assessment was carried out in 2010. Biological indicators included bacterial diversity, enzymatic activity, microarthropods and macrofauna abundance and diversity. Some functional indicators, including biostructures, were also studied. Pedologic and agronomic effects have shown the positive effect of biosolids on soil fertility, without serious contamination by heavy metals or organic pollutants. The present results concerning soil biota show no significant effect on soil biota and functional parameters measured.
National audience ; For more than 15 years, there has been a progressive reinforcement of legislation related to biosolid utilization in the EU, particularly in France. There is a particular concern about effects on soil organisms, even though sludge spreading has been shown to have a favorable effect on soil biological characteristics by stimulating microbial activity and biomass. Generally, soil amendment of organic matter via sludge application also favors soil invertebrates and abundance of Carabidae, earthworms, nematodes, and mesofauna. However, the responses of organisms to sludge application are specific. Changes in microbial and invertebrate community structure such as a decrease of species and functional diversity was also observed, especially if sludge is contaminated by heavy metals. The present results aimed to assess effects of different biosolids, including sewage sludge, composts, coal ashes and household waste ashes on soil biota. Each type of biosolid was applied manually to each plot (40 m2) according to regulations (four applications of 10 t ha−1 within 10 yr, representing 160 kg of dry matter for each plot). Spreadings have stopped in 2002, and soil biological assessment was carried out in 2010. Biological indicators included bacterial diversity, enzymatic activity, microarthropods and macrofauna abundance and diversity. Some functional indicators, including biostructures, were also studied. Pedologic and agronomic effects have shown the positive effect of biosolids on soil fertility, without serious contamination by heavy metals or organic pollutants. The present results concerning soil biota show no significant effect on soil biota and functional parameters measured.
National audience ; For more than 15 years, there has been a progressive reinforcement of legislation related to biosolid utilization in the EU, particularly in France. There is a particular concern about effects on soil organisms, even though sludge spreading has been shown to have a favorable effect on soil biological characteristics by stimulating microbial activity and biomass. Generally, soil amendment of organic matter via sludge application also favors soil invertebrates and abundance of Carabidae, earthworms, nematodes, and mesofauna. However, the responses of organisms to sludge application are specific. Changes in microbial and invertebrate community structure such as a decrease of species and functional diversity was also observed, especially if sludge is contaminated by heavy metals. The present results aimed to assess effects of different biosolids, including sewage sludge, composts, coal ashes and household waste ashes on soil biota. Each type of biosolid was applied manually to each plot (40 m2) according to regulations (four applications of 10 t ha−1 within 10 yr, representing 160 kg of dry matter for each plot). Spreadings have stopped in 2002, and soil biological assessment was carried out in 2010. Biological indicators included bacterial diversity, enzymatic activity, microarthropods and macrofauna abundance and diversity. Some functional indicators, including biostructures, were also studied. Pedologic and agronomic effects have shown the positive effect of biosolids on soil fertility, without serious contamination by heavy metals or organic pollutants. The present results concerning soil biota show no significant effect on soil biota and functional parameters measured.
National audience ; For more than 15 years, there has been a progressive reinforcement of legislation related to biosolid utilization in the EU, particularly in France. There is a particular concern about effects on soil organisms, even though sludge spreading has been shown to have a favorable effect on soil biological characteristics by stimulating microbial activity and biomass. Generally, soil amendment of organic matter via sludge application also favors soil invertebrates and abundance of Carabidae, earthworms, nematodes, and mesofauna. However, the responses of organisms to sludge application are specific. Changes in microbial and invertebrate community structure such as a decrease of species and functional diversity was also observed, especially if sludge is contaminated by heavy metals. The present results aimed to assess effects of different biosolids, including sewage sludge, composts, coal ashes and household waste ashes on soil biota. Each type of biosolid was applied manually to each plot (40 m2) according to regulations (four applications of 10 t ha−1 within 10 yr, representing 160 kg of dry matter for each plot). Spreadings have stopped in 2002, and soil biological assessment was carried out in 2010. Biological indicators included bacterial diversity, enzymatic activity, microarthropods and macrofauna abundance and diversity. Some functional indicators, including biostructures, were also studied. Pedologic and agronomic effects have shown the positive effect of biosolids on soil fertility, without serious contamination by heavy metals or organic pollutants. The present results concerning soil biota show no significant effect on soil biota and functional parameters measured.
National audience ; For more than 15 years, there has been a progressive reinforcement of legislation related to biosolid utilization in the EU, particularly in France. There is a particular concern about effects on soil organisms, even though sludge spreading has been shown to have a favorable effect on soil biological characteristics by stimulating microbial activity and biomass. Generally, soil amendment of organic matter via sludge application also favors soil invertebrates and abundance of Carabidae, earthworms, nematodes, and mesofauna. However, the responses of organisms to sludge application are specific. Changes in microbial and invertebrate community structure such as a decrease of species and functional diversity was also observed, especially if sludge is contaminated by heavy metals. The present results aimed to assess effects of different biosolids, including sewage sludge, composts, coal ashes and household waste ashes on soil biota. Each type of biosolid was applied manually to each plot (40 m2) according to regulations (four applications of 10 t ha−1 within 10 yr, representing 160 kg of dry matter for each plot). Spreadings have stopped in 2002, and soil biological assessment was carried out in 2010. Biological indicators included bacterial diversity, enzymatic activity, microarthropods and macrofauna abundance and diversity. Some functional indicators, including biostructures, were also studied. Pedologic and agronomic effects have shown the positive effect of biosolids on soil fertility, without serious contamination by heavy metals or organic pollutants. The present results concerning soil biota show no significant effect on soil biota and functional parameters measured.
National audience ; For more than 15 years, there has been a progressive reinforcement of legislation related to biosolid utilization in the EU, particularly in France. There is a particular concern about effects on soil organisms, even though sludge spreading has been shown to have a favorable effect on soil biological characteristics by stimulating microbial activity and biomass. Generally, soil amendment of organic matter via sludge application also favors soil invertebrates and abundance of Carabidae, earthworms, nematodes, and mesofauna. However, the responses of organisms to sludge application are specific. Changes in microbial and invertebrate community structure such as a decrease of species and functional diversity was also observed, especially if sludge is contaminated by heavy metals. The present results aimed to assess effects of different biosolids, including sewage sludge, composts, coal ashes and household waste ashes on soil biota. Each type of biosolid was applied manually to each plot (40 m2) according to regulations (four applications of 10 t ha−1 within 10 yr, representing 160 kg of dry matter for each plot). Spreadings have stopped in 2002, and soil biological assessment was carried out in 2010. Biological indicators included bacterial diversity, enzymatic activity, microarthropods and macrofauna abundance and diversity. Some functional indicators, including biostructures, were also studied. Pedologic and agronomic effects have shown the positive effect of biosolids on soil fertility, without serious contamination by heavy metals or organic pollutants. The present results concerning soil biota show no significant effect on soil biota and functional parameters measured.
National audience ; For more than 15 years, there has been a progressive reinforcement of legislation related to biosolid utilization in the EU, particularly in France. There is a particular concern about effects on soil organisms, even though sludge spreading has been shown to have a favorable effect on soil biological characteristics by stimulating microbial activity and biomass. Generally, soil amendment of organic matter via sludge application also favors soil invertebrates and abundance of Carabidae, earthworms, nematodes, and mesofauna. However, the responses of organisms to sludge application are specific. Changes in microbial and invertebrate community structure such as a decrease of species and functional diversity was also observed, especially if sludge is contaminated by heavy metals. The present results aimed to assess effects of different biosolids, including sewage sludge, composts, coal ashes and household waste ashes on soil biota. Each type of biosolid was applied manually to each plot (40 m2) according to regulations (four applications of 10 t ha−1 within 10 yr, representing 160 kg of dry matter for each plot). Spreadings have stopped in 2002, and soil biological assessment was carried out in 2010. Biological indicators included bacterial diversity, enzymatic activity, microarthropods and macrofauna abundance and diversity. Some functional indicators, including biostructures, were also studied. Pedologic and agronomic effects have shown the positive effect of biosolids on soil fertility, without serious contamination by heavy metals or organic pollutants. The present results concerning soil biota show no significant effect on soil biota and functional parameters measured.
International audience ; Soil biota play an essential role in delivering key ecosystem goods and services, and are both directly and indirectly responsible for many important functions (nutrient cycling, soil structure, water storage). European Union (EU) has underlined the interest of taking into account this biological compartment. EU has asked to develop biological researches in soil management policies, by characterizing biological species and biological functions of some soil organisms. To answer this request and make a first state at regional scale of soil biodiversity in relation to land use and pedoclimatic parameters, a French program « RMQS BioOiv » was developed on the 109 sites of Soil Quality Monitoring Network (RMQS) in Brittany. A large national research network (12 research teams) supported the program, that undertook the study of several biological parameters such as macrofauna (earthworms, total macro-invertebrates), mesofauna (Acarina and Collembola), microfauna (nematodes), and microflora (microbial biomass, community structure and functional genes), as well as biological activity parameters (Humus Index). So, this program leaned on RMQS which was developed at national scale to monitor physico-chemical soil parameters and land-use managements by using a systematic sampling (regular grid 16 X 16 km) covering the whole French territory. The link between these two programs, working on the same sampling grid, should allow the study of biological parameters in the light of soil and agricultural characteristics, and thus the definition of biological descriptors of soil quality. The objectives of this paper are i) to present the RMQS BioOiv program is terms of sampling design and protocols, ii) to describe the data management and treatment, and iii) to show some results as a first instance of the data analysis to be carried out in this program. Results were obtained from the analysis of 109 sites sampled in 2006 and 2007 across the Brittany Region, and showed the spatial distribution and density of ...
National audience ; Soil biota play an essential role in delivering key ecosystem goods and services, and are both directly and indirectly responsible for many important functions (nutrient cycling, soil structure, water storage). European Union (EU) has underlined the interest of taking into account this biological compartment. EU has asked to develop biological researches in soil management policies, by characterizing biological species and biological functions of some soil organisms. To answer this request and make a first state at regional scale of soil biodiversity in relation to land use and pedoclimatic parameters, a French program « RMQS BioOiv » was developed on the 109 sites of Soil Quality Monitoring Network (RMQS) in Brittany. A large national research network (12 research teams) supported the program, that undertook the study of several biological parameters such as macrofauna (earthworms, total macro-invertebrates), mesofauna (Acarina and Collembola), microfauna (nematodes), and microflora (microbial biomass, community structure and functional genes), as well as biological activity parameters (Humus Index). So, this program leaned on RMQS which was developed at national scale to monitor physico-chemical soil parameters and land-use managements by using a systematic sampling (regular grid 16 X 16 km) covering the whole French territory. The link between these two programs, working on the same sampling grid, should allow the study of biological parameters in the light of soil and agricultural characteristics, and thus the definition of biological descriptors of soil quality. The objectives of this paper are i) to present the RMQS BioOiv program is terms of sampling design and protocols, ii) to describe the data management and treatment, and iii) to show some results as a first instance of the data analysis to be carried out in this program. Results were obtained from the analysis of 109 sites sampled in 2006 and 2007 across the Brittany Region, and showed the spatial distribution and density of the ...