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JenaTron - An Experimental Approach to Study the Effects of Plant History and Soil History on Grassland Ecosystem Functioning
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Restoring soil biodiversity.

Jake M Robinson1, Craig Liddicoat1, Miriam Muñoz-Rojas2

  • 1College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.

Current Biology : CB
|May 7, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Restoring soil biodiversity is essential for planetary health, supporting food production, water purification, and carbon sequestration. Urgent action is needed as 75% of soils are degraded, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem services.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science

Background:

  • Soil health is fundamental for terrestrial life, underpinning food production, water purification, and carbon sequestration.
  • Soil biodiversity, the variety of soil life, is critical for these ecosystem processes and soil restoration.
  • Human activities have led to widespread soil degradation, with 75% of global soils currently affected, a figure projected to reach 90% by 2050.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical role of soil biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem services.
  • To emphasize the urgent need for soil biodiversity restoration for planetary health.
  • To underscore the challenges and opportunities associated with restoring soil biodiversity.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review and synthesis of existing research on soil health and biodiversity.
  • It analyzes data on land degradation extent and its impact on soil biodiversity.
  • It examines the contribution of soil biodiversity to ecosystem services and global carbon storage.

Main Results:

  • Soil biodiversity supports approximately 60% of all terrestrial species and is vital for human sustenance, providing 98% of calories.
  • Earthworms alone contribute significantly to global grain production (6.5%).
  • Soils store approximately 80% (2,500 gigatons) of the total carbon in terrestrial ecosystems.

Conclusions:

  • Restoring soil biodiversity is an ecological and Earth-system imperative, crucial for ecosystem resilience.
  • It is pivotal for sustaining agricultural productivity and mitigating climate change impacts.
  • Addressing soil degradation and restoring biodiversity is essential for human well-being and planetary health.