Summary
This 2024 field study investigates protist assemblages as sensitive biological indicators of soil microbial community shifts induced by fertilisation in species-rich grasslands. As trophic consumers of bacteria and fungi, protists are evaluated as potential early-warning signals for fertilisation-induced ecological changes. The research suggests protist community composition may provide a more accessible and distinctive reflection of belowground microbial process changes than conventional soil measures, potentially bridging soil microbial structure and aboveground grassland ecosystem responses.
Regional applicability
Findings may have relevance to UK grassland management and agri-environment schemes, particularly those monitoring soil health in species-rich meadows and pastures. However, direct application would require validation under UK soil and climatic conditions, and alignment with existing UK soil monitoring protocols.
Key measures
Protist community composition and structure; bacterial and fungal community responses; grassland ecosystem variables under different fertilisation regimes
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated protist assemblages as sensitive bioindicators of soil microbial community shifts induced by fertilisation in species-rich grasslands. Protist community composition was assessed as a potential indicator of belowground ecological changes and soil microbial process responses to fertiliser application.
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