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Biopore characterization with in situ endoscopy: Influence of earthworms on carbon and nitrogen contents

Athmann, Miriam; Kautz, Timo; Huang, Ning and Köpke, Ulrich (2014) Biopore characterization with in situ endoscopy: Influence of earthworms on carbon and nitrogen contents. In: Rahmann, G. and Aksoy, U. (Eds.) Building Organic Bridges, Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Braunschweig, Germany, 2, Thuenen Report, no. 20, pp. 415-418.

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Summary

Biopores have been shown to be enriched with plant available nutrients as compared to the surrounding bulk soil and therefore are considered hot spots for the nutrient acquisition especially in the otherwise nutrient-poor subsoil. However, depending on their individual biography, i.e. colonization by plant roots or earthworms, different nutrient status can be assumed. In this study, individual biopores were characterized with respect to signs of earthworm passage using in situ endoscopy, a non-destructive technique for display of pore wall characteristics. Subsequent sampling and analysis of biopore linings and blockages revealed that only biopores with visible earthworm coatings had significantly higher C and N contents as compared to the surrounding bulk soil. The results of this study highlight the special role of earthworms for enriching biopores with nutrients and underline the value of biopores for the nutrient acquisition from the subsoil.


EPrint Type:Conference paper, poster, etc.
Type of presentation:Paper
Keywords:drilosphere, pore wall structure, earthworms, carbon, nitrogen, subsoil
Subjects: Soil > Soil quality
Research affiliation: Germany > University of Bonn > Institute of Organic Agriculture
International Conferences > 2014: 18th IFOAM OWC Scientific Track: 4th ISOFAR Scientific Conference
ISBN:978-3-86576-128-6
DOI:10.3220/REP_20_1_2014
Deposited By: Athmann, Miriam
ID Code:23878
Deposited On:29 Oct 2014 10:25
Last Modified:29 Oct 2014 10:25
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Peer-reviewed and accepted
Additional Publishing Information:urn:nbn:de:gbv:253-201407-dn053621-1

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