The hidden world beneath our feet
In our research, we consider diversity on several levels - from the individual adaptability of single species to environmental conditions to long-term developments in the evolution of soil animal communities.
We investigate how land use intensity, climate change and soil characteristics affect the composition and function of soil fauna. Our focus is on different groups of soil arthropods, which play a central role as indicators of soil quality.
By combining ecological field research, classical taxonomy, molecular biological methods (e.g. barcoding) and data-driven analysis, we contribute to the development of monitoring strategies and the understanding of soil biodiversity.
Team
Target groups of animal soil fauna
Possible Bachelor's and Master's theses
Project BIOMES - The Pillars of Soil
BIOMES is establishing the first Austria-wide soil monitoring programme to systematically record the biodiversity of soil arthropods - in particular mites (Acari), springtails (Collembola) and myriapods (millipedes) - as indicators of soil quality.
Over a period of two years, as many sites as possible in near-natural and human-influenced soils will be analysed. An interdisciplinary team of seven soil biologists combines expertise in zoology, ecology and soil biology methods to create the basis for sustainable soil management and renaturation measures in Austria.
Contact us
| +43 316 380 - +43 316 380 - 5611 |
| +43 316 380 - +43 316 380 - 8741 |
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