NEWS on SOIL BIODIVERSITY

1. Tree ants fundamental to rainforest life: The total biomass of ants in tropical rainforests exceeds that of mammals, and it now seems herbivorous ants may play a huge role in the carbon economy of rainforests (Monday, May 12, 2003). More...

2. Where there is muck there is grass: The mystery of African savannah life lies in a pile of poo, says Matthew Genge on The Guardian (Thursday December 19, 2002). More...

3. Soil's secrets to be unearthed: An international team of scientists plans to investigate the wealth of life in the soil of seven tropical countries. BBC (Thursday November 28, 2002). More...

SOIL BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER

"Rootalk"

The objective of this Newsletter is to disseminate information of activities on soil biodiversity management and conservation in agricultural systems. Several researchers, institutes, universities and international organisations have provided detailed responses about their activities and projects, related to soil biodiversity management and conservation in agricultural systems. This information is being made available through a Newsletter, “RooTalk”, with the aim to enhance networking and collaboration.

Previous issues of RooTalk Newsletter:

• September 2001

• December 2001

A new issue of RooTalk Newsletter, emphasizing the impact of herbicides on soil biota and functions, will be available soon.

PAPERS PRESENTED AT DIFFERENT FORA

• OECD expert meeting on soil erosion and soil biodiversity indicators