CréBeo encompasses four sub-projects, each with a number of constituent work packages:
- Our goal is to provide baseline data on the occurrence, distribution, diversity and indicator value of micro- and macro-organisms of potential keystone status (soil bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, nematodes, earthworms) in a sub-set of the National Soils Database Project reference sampling locations.
- We will investigate under field conditions the response of selected soil organisms to pressures caused by land management options practised in Ireland that require policy guidance, specifically the application of exogenous organic materials (biosolids) to soil. Sub-project 3:
- This sub-project will investigate the functions of potential keystone species in soil ecosystem processes, their relationships with other soil organisms and their status as keystone species.
- Studies will be undertaken to establish the importance of protecting specific habitats, where keystone soil species (soil-dwelling ants) could be threatened and to provide criteria for the identification of such sites.
