TLinks: Trophic linkages between above- and below-ground organisms as a key to successful restoration of biodiversity on ex-arable land across Europe

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 01.0086

Key words (English)

Restoration ecology; ex-arable land; biodiversity; multitrophic interactions; soil ecology; landscape ecology; genetic diversity;
Environmental Protection; Forecasting; Meteorology; Resources of the Sea; Fisheries

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: EVK2-200100123

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.4a.2 Global change, climate and biodiversity

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

University of Reading (UK), Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NL), University of Lund (S), University of Southern Bohemia (CZ), CSIC-IRNA Salamanca (E)

Abstract (English)

European biodiversity needs to be conserved to support the CBD and European Biodiversity Strategy. Measures to protect and restore biodiversity (Habitats Directive, NATURA 2000, Agri-Environment schemes) have focused on visible biotic components of ecosystems (e.g. plants, butterflies). Soil biotas are generally ignored. A lack of awareness of the Potential roles of these cryptic components of ecosystems, absence of some knowledge and the inability to apply it are major constraints for end-users. The main aim of TLINKS is to enhance the success of conservation of biodiversity through the restoration of species-rich communities on ex-arable land. TLINKS involves research on above-belowground trophic interactions that leads to objective criteria and indicators allowing prediction of the likelihood of success of restoration. The results support end-users in targeting conservation measures and contribute to EU-policy on biodiversity.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 01.0086