Anahí Domínguez

Bio: Anahí Domínguez is an academic researcher from National Scientific and Technical Research Council. The author has contributed to research in topics: No-till farming & Soil biology. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 17 publications receiving 410 citations. Previous affiliations of Anahí Domínguez include National University of Río Cuarto.

Global distribution of earthworm diversity

Abstract: Soil organisms, including earthworms, are a key component of terrestrial ecosystems. However, little is known about their diversity, their distribution, and the threats affecting them. We compiled a global dataset of sampled earthworm communities from 6928 sites in 57 countries as a basis for predicting patterns in earthworm diversity, abundance, and biomass. We found that local species richness and abundance typically peaked at higher latitudes, displaying patterns opposite to those observed in aboveground organisms. However, high species dissimilarity across tropical locations may cause diversity across the entirety of the tropics to be higher than elsewhere. Climate variables were found to be more important in shaping earthworm communities than soil properties or habitat cover. These findings suggest that climate change may have serious implications for earthworm communities and for the functions they provide.

Effect of Good Agricultural Practices under no-till on litter and soil invertebrates in areas with different soil types

Abstract: Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) under no-till (NT) includes a mixed crop rotation; cover crops; integrated pest, weed and disease management; nutrient restoration; and a rational use of agrochemicals. When applied all together, GAPs promotes high productivity, while maintaining the production capacity of resources. In the Pampas region of Argentina, there is a need to assess the effects of these practices on soils, particularly on soil fauna, as they play an important role in soil functioning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of GAPs under NT on invertebrates and to assess whether this effect is different between soil types. We hypothesized (1) that GAP will produce an increase in the abundance, as well as changes in the faunal composition of litter and soil invertebrates; (2) that the effects will differ with soil type, and (3) that the changes in soil invertebrate fauna will be explained by soil properties. We compared two contrasting NT treatments -with and without GAP application-, replicated in three agricultural areas, on different soil types (Entic Haplustolls to Typic Argiudolls) situated across a west–east transect in the Pampas region of Argentina. A positive (Natural environment) and a negative (Conventional tillage) reference sites were included in the comparison. Litter and soil invertebrates and soil properties were assessed at each sampling site. Overall, our results indicated that the application of GAPs in productive NT fields increases litter and soil invertebrate abundance and modifies faunal composition. In the litter layer, four of the five taxa present were favoured by GAPs with an increase in the abundances of ants, prostigmatid mites, earthworms and collembolans. GAPs also induced changes in invertebrate faunal composition, from the initial NO-GAP situation to the present state under GAP system. The observed changes in litter and soil invertebrates, changes in faunal abundance and composition can be expected to translate to changes in soil functioning. Our last hypothesis was partially confirmed in that soil properties have to be considered in the examination of differences in fauna between treatments with there are only subtle differences in practices, as in the present study.

Toxicity of AMPA to the earthworm Eisenia andrei Bouché, 1972 in tropical artificial soil.

Abstract: Aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) - one of glyphosate’s main metabolites - has been classified as persistent in soils, raising concern regarding the widespread use of glyphosate in agriculture and forestry. Glyphosate may have negative or neutral effects on soil biota, but no information is available on the toxicity of AMPA to soil invertebrates. Therefore our aim was to study the effect of AMPA on mortality and reproduction of the earthworm species Eisenia andrei using standard soil ecotoxicological methods (ISO). Field-relevant concentrations of AMPA had no significant effects on mortality in acute or chronic assays. Except at the highest concentration tested, a significant biomass loss was observed compared to controls in the chronic assay. The number of juveniles and cocoons increased with higher concentrations of AMPA applied, but their mean weights decreased. This mass loss indicates higher sensitivity of juveniles than adults to AMPA. Our results suggest that earthworms coming from parents grown in contaminated soils may have reduced growth, limiting their beneficial roles in key soil ecosystem functions. Nevertheless, further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the sublethal effects observed here.

Negative effects of no-till on soil macrofauna and litter decomposition in Argentina as compared with natural grasslands

Abstract: No-till (NT) has been recognized as a management system of low environmental impact when applied in combination with crop residue mulch and rotations involving cover crops. It has been suggested, however, that, if these conditions are not met, NT may result in physical, chemical and biological soil degradation. This study evaluates the effect of NT on the litter decomposition process and on soil macrofauna communities and how changes in soil physical, chemical, and physicochemical properties affect litter decomposition and soil macrofauna. We hypothesised (1) that macrofaunal abundance, richness and diversity would be lower in NT soils than in natural grasslands; (2) that this would be a consequence of unfavourable physical and chemical soil conditions and high inputs of agrochemicals; and (3) that these changes in macrofauna would influence soil functioning, reducing litter decomposition rate. The study was conducted during winter and spring 2007 on Typic Haplustolls from southern Cordoba, Argentina (32°41′ and 32°50′S; 63°58′ and 63°44′W). Macrofauna was sampled twice in NT and in natural grasslands (NA) – as a reference situation – by extracting five soil monoliths of 25 cm × 25 cm × 30 cm at each plot. Soil properties were measured using standard methods. The decomposition rate was determined by the litterbag method, using a 2 mm and a 10 mm size meshes to evaluate litter decomposition mediated by macrofauna. NT greatly reduced richness (from 33 species in NA to 12 species in NT) and abundance (from 1870 ind/m 2 in NA to 475 ind/m 2 in NT) of macroinvertebrates, confirming our first hypothesis. Changes in macrofauna community under NT were mainly explained by high compaction and low organic matter content, confirming our second hypothesis. The reduction in earthworm abundance may also be explained by the influence of the intense use of toxic agrochemicals. No-till increased surface horizon bulk density (from 1.22 to 1.33 g/cm 3 ) and decreased organic matter content (from 3.51% to 2.58%) and pH (from 6.74 to 6.01) compared with NA. The litter decomposition rate was lower in NT, confirming our third hypothesis, and it was correlated with low earthworms abundance and activity. We conclude that in our study area the capacity of soils under NT to maintain ecosystem functions would be at risk.

Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 (GMTED2010)

Abstract: For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1–888–ASK–USGS. For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report. 10. Diagram showing the GMTED2010 layer extents (minimum and maximum latitude and longitude) are a result of the coordinate system inherited from the 1-arc-second SRTM

Where, when and how plant-soil feedback matters in a changing world

Abstract: Summary It is increasingly acknowledged that plant–soil feedbacks may play an important role in driving the composition of plant communities and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the mechanistic understanding of plant–soil feedbacks, as well as their roles in natural ecosystems in proportion to other possible drivers, is still in its infancy. Such knowledge will enhance our capacity to determine the contribution of plant–soil feedback to community and ecosystem responses under global environmental change. Here, we review how plant–soil feedbacks may develop under extreme drought and precipitation events, CO2 and nitrogen enrichment, temperature increase, land use change and plant species loss vs. gain. We present a framework for opening the ‘black box of soil’ considering the responses of the various biotic components (enemies, symbionts and decomposers) of plant–soil feedback to the global environmental changes, and we discuss how to integrate these components to understand and predict the net effects of plant–soil feedbacks under the various scenarios of change. To gain an understanding of how plant–soil feedback plays out in realistic settings, we also use the framework to discuss its interaction with other drivers of plant community composition, including competition, facilitation, herbivory, and soil physical and chemical properties. We conclude that understanding the role that plant–soil feedback plays in shaping the responses of plant community composition and ecosystem processes to global environmental changes requires unravelling the individual contributions of enemies, symbionts and decomposers. These biotic factors may show different response rates and strengths, thereby resulting in different net magnitudes and directions of plant–soil feedbacks under various scenarios of global change. We also need tests of plant–soil feedback under more realistic conditions to determine its contribution to changes in patterns and processes in the field, both at ecologically and evolutionary relevant time-scales.

Soil Degradation, Land Scarcity and Food Security: Reviewing a Complex Challenge

Abstract: Soil health, along with water supply, is the most valuable resource for humans, as human life depends on the soil’s generosity. Soil degradation, therefore, poses a threat to food security, as it reduces yield, forces farmers to use more inputs, and may eventually lead to soil abandonment. Unfortunately, the importance of preserving soil health appears to be overlooked by policy makers. In this paper, I first briefly introduce the present situation concerning agricultural production, natural resources, soil degradation, land use and the challenge ahead, to show how these issues are strictly interwoven. Then, I define soil degradation and present a review of its typologies and estimates at a global level. I discuss the importance of preserving soil capital, and its relationship to human civilization and food security. Trends concerning the availability of arable agricultural land, different scenarios, and their limitations, are analyzed and discussed. The possible relation between an increase in a country’s GNP, population and future availability of arable land is also analyzed, using the World Bank’s database. I argue that because of the many sources of uncertainty in the data, and the high risks at stake, a precautionary approach should be adopted when drawing scenarios. The paper ends with a discussion on the key role of preserving soil organic matter, and the need to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. I also argue that both our relation with nature and natural resources and our lifestyle need to be reconsidered.