2012 Volume 8 Issue 4 Pages 333-337
Conservation of biodiversity is a major global issue. We are highly dependent on ecosystem services which are sustained by biodiversity. The objective of this review is to examine potential effects of biomass production to soil ecosystems. Terrestrial primary production is supported by the activities of soil organisms. Not only soil microorganisms, but also soil animals are important key players on promoting nutrient cycling in soil. Irrespective to crop species, soil disturbance, especially tillage is the main driver of soil organisms. Earthworms are important organism because they numerically dominate in biomass in temperate and tropical grasslands and forests where agricultural biomass production will be expected. Conservation of soil biodiversity is essential for sustainable production of biomass. Adoption of perennial crops (e.g. Miscanthus x giganteus, willows) is better option to maintain soil biodiversity compared to annual crops, because less frequent cultivation and low input of nutrients are possible as land management in the perennial crops.
