Earthworm and arbuscular mycorrhizal communities in agricultural soils - management of key soil organisms for sustainable agriculture
Intensive agriculture is detrimental to soil biodiversity and functioning. Promoting communities of key soil organisms, such as earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, may help improve agricultural sustainability by replacing inputs with ecosystem services. In my PhD thesis, I explored ways to manage earthworm communties for improved soil functioning via adjusted agricultural practices, promotion of source habitats in the landscape, and inoculation. I also explored the effects of soil compaction on AM fungal symbiosis in wheat varieties, and tested application of grassland soil as a method to increase AM fungal diversity in agricultural soils.