Canadian Soil Biodiversity Observatory
The Canadian Soil Biodiversity Observatory (CSBO) is employing high-throughput culturing and sequencing (amplicon metagenomic sequencing) to isolate and characterize soil organisms across a range of ecosystems to develop predictive models and digital maps of soil biodiversity for Eastern Canada.
AAFC has funded two projects to characterize soil biodiversity and its relationships with soil physico-chemical parameters and land use. One project targets the Atlantic provinces (PI: Dr. Louis-Pierre Comeau), while the other targets the provinces of Ontario and Québec (PI: Dr. Franck Stefani).
Sampling sites
-
Instructions: Map Navigation
Keyboard users: When the map is in focus, use the arrow keys to pan the map and the plus and minus keys to zoom.
Data Collection
Sampling sites are randomly selected based on environmental data (climate, soil type, land cover, topography, etc.). The soil sampling protocol is non-invasive and non-destructive. The data collected is anonymous and confidential and is only used and analyzed at an aggregate level.
Soil biodiversity in Canada
Loss of soil biodiversity is one of the most serious global risks to society. Soil habitats are under constant pressure from major threats such as land-use change, over exploitation of natural resources, pollution, invasive alien species and climate change.
Soils are one of the largest reservoirs of biodiversity. It is estimated that 25–30% of all species on Earth spend all or part of their lives in soils. This biodiversity supports multiple functions in terrestrial ecosystems, such as soil fertility, food and fiber production, water cycling, pest and disease regulation, carbon sequestration and nitrogen fixation.
Related links
- Date modified: