Does the natural "microcosm" created by Tuber aestivum affect soil microarthropods? A new hypothesis based on Collembola in truffle culture

microarthropods play an important role in fungi dispersion, but little is still known about the interaction between truffle and soil microarthropods. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of the truffle Tuber aestivum to modify soil biogeochemistry (i.e. create a zone of scarce vegetation around the host plant, called a burn or brûlé) and to highlight the effects of the brûlé on the soil fauna community. We compared soil microarthropod communities found in the soil inside versus outside the T. aestivum brûlé with the chemistry of soil collected inside versus outside the brûlé. The study was carried out in three Mediterranean areas, two in Italy and one in Spain. The results confirmed the ability of T. aestivum to modify soil biogeochemistry in the brûlé: pH was higher and total organic carbon tended to be lower inside the brûlé compared to outside. Soil fauna communities showed some interesting differences. Some groups, such as Symphyla and Pauropoda, adapted well to the soil; some Collembolan families, and biodiversity and soil quality indices were generally higher outside the brûlé. Folsomia sp. showed higher abundance in the soil of the brûlé compared to outside. The results suggest that some Collembola groups may be attracted by the fungal metabolites produced by T. aestivum, while other Collembola and other microarthropods may find an unfavourable environment in the soil of the brûlé. The next steps will be to confirm this hypothesis and to extend the study to other keys groups such as nematodes and earthworms and to link fluctuations of soil communities with the biological phases of truffle growth

Does soil fauna like truffles just as humans do? One-year study of biodiversity in natural brûlés of Tuber aestivum Vittad

There are numerous aspects related to Tuber species, which have not been explored to date. Tuber aestivum Vitt. is an ectomycorrhizal fungus, that produces an area (called brûlé) around the host plant trunk, where the germination of other plants is inhibited. What happens inside this particular environment is still not sufficiently understood, especially in terms of soil fauna. A previous work showed that there were higher microarthropod abundances outside during the period of maximum activity of the mycelium. The genus Folsomia (Isotomidae Family; Order Collembola) showed higher abundance inside. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of brûlé, on soil parameters and soil fauna, during the annual biological cycle of T. aestivum. This study was carried out in nine spontaneous brûlés situated in Northern Italy (Emilia Romagna Region – Piacenza Province). Soil cores were collected in order to perform soil chemical and biological analysis. Moisture content, pH, organic matter content, total organic carbon were analyzed. Biodiversity and soil quality indices were applied. We found higher pH, lower carbon and organic matter content within the brûlé. Soil fauna community also showed some differences, seasonal and inside vs outside the brûlé. Some groups seem to be negatively affected by Tuber while Folsomia genus recorded almost always higher values inside. These results suggest that some organisms, such as some Collembola, might find a favorable environment inside the brûlé, while others - a negative one. However, these results should be compared by other analysis either on other Tuber species and on other soil organisms, such as nematodes and earthworms

Assigning diameter distribution typologies to an ALS data grid map

distribuciones diamétricas con AL

Basis on rhizoculture: management of ¿underground agroforestry systems ¿to improve their climate change resilience

Agroforestry has traditionally been focused on the most economically valuable elements of plants. However, Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge analyses indicate that new nature-based solutions that include the multiple functions of ecosystems are needed for the transition towards a circular economic eco-innovation system to change production and consumption patterns towards a green society. In agroforestry, a better understanding of soil and organism interactions with host plants would allow an intensification on the development and activity of their roots leading to increased resistance of plants to climate change and soil C sequestration and to decreased fertilization dependence. The development of this multidisciplinary body of knowledge could be called ?rhizoculture?. The present work propose a review and a research project to develop a new "rhizoculture" approach in Agroforestry connecting the root, rhizosphere, agroforestry uses, fertilizier managements and landscape planning, all supported by 4 research approaches: (1) agrotechnological support to root development, (2) biological and biogeochemical support to "soft" fertilization and rhizosphere management, and (3) soil organism management by soil organic matter control (by extensive livestock and biomass uses) and other tools, (4) landscape planning using territorial analysis tools, as i.e., Openforis Collect Earth. Seeking to change production and consumption patterns towards a sustainable, green economy and society, the benefits associated to this type of research on rhizoculture may increase the biodiversity and C stock in the soil, moreover, the development of the roots in agroforestry systems would increased the plant¿s ability to cope with environmental and climatic changes. This approach would also improve the health and performance of plants and decreased the high costs and pollution associated to fertilizers and phytochemicals