Earthworms and potworms in Dutch soils from the National Biological Soil Monitoring project 1997-2014

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In the Netherlands, soil biological measurements were carried out in a nationwide monitoring program between 1997 and 2014. The purpose was to complement the obligations of the Biodiversity treaty of Rio de Janeiro (1992), by measuring soil biodiversity in a functional context. In total circa 450 locations were selected in a random stratified design, comprising 12 dominant combinations of land use and soil type. In The Netherlands 60 to 70% of the soils are in agricultural use, which is reflected in the distribution of the data. The 12 categories were sampled in a six-year cycle. Only 2 cycles could be completed entirely. The monitoring network was designed to give a cross-section through the soil ecosystem, from microbes to earthworms. Moreover, soil physical and chemical characteristics were measured. The sampling strategy was unorthodox, because the entire farm area was considered to be the unit of sampling.

In this dataset the average values out of six subsamples is given per square metre for: abundances, taxonomic diversity and biomass of earthworms (Lumbricidae) and potworms (Enchytraeidae). Eatrhworms were counted in 6 soil blocks of 20x20x20 cm. Potworms in 6 soil cores, 15 cm deep and 6 cm in diameter. In addition to the national monitoring program, data are available from (smaller) experimental fields. A general description of the monitoring program and methods is pubished in Rutgers et al. 2009 (European Journal of Soil Science, 60, 820-832. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2389.2009.01163.x)

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Bibliographic Citations

1. M. Rutgers, A. J. Schouten, J. Bloem, N. Van Eekeren, R. G. M. De Goede, G. A. J. M. Jagers op Akkerhuis, A. Van der Wal, C. Mulder, L. Brussaard, A. M. Breure (2009) Biological measurements in a nationwide soil monitoring network. European Journal of Soil Science 60 (5): 820-832. - https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2389.2009.01163.x