The project aims to fill gaps in knowledge about the diversity of soil micro- and mesofauna in experimental fields amended with forest-derived organic side-streams from industry(zero fiber, composted fiber sludge) or biochar and in agroforestry field. We will hypothesize that forest-based management practices affect the diversity of soil fauna via “fungal energy channels” to prevent nutrient leaching and improve carbon retention promoting sustainable agriculture. Soil fauna is identified from DNA and RNA isolated directly from an environmental sample by utilizing the latest state-in-art sequencing techniques of metabarcoding and transcriptomics. New information can be applied in future biodiversity studies and food web modeling. Research will be conducted at Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). At the same time project adds knowledge on how management practices that utilize forest-based recycled amendments and agroforestry could promote circular economy and security of supply.

2023

2027