Contribution of soil fauna to mitigate global warming: the role of the invertebrate ecosystem engineers in the stabilization of soil carbon in the neotropical region

• Grant number: 25/01236-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Miguel Cooper
• Grantee: Wilian Carlo Demetrio
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/10573-4 - Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture (CCARBON), AP.CEPID

Abstract

Soils represent one of the largest carbon reservoirs in the biosphere, playing a key role in climate regulation and, therefore, a central element in global warming. This habitat is home to a vast diversity of organisms responsible for various functions that originate numerous ecosystem services. Earthworms, ants and termites represent more than 80% of the soil macrofauna community and, are considered ecosystem engineers due to their ability to significantly alter the habitat. These organisms affect several soil functions, including the decomposition of organic matter, soil structuring and nutrient cycling. Due to their lifestyle habits, these invertebrates significantly affect the turnover of soil organic matter, thus potentially altering soil carbon sequestration rates. However, there is little information on the relevance of these organisms in carbon sequestration, especially in tropical environments, while studies on the impact of these invertebrates on soil carbon stabilization mechanisms are non-existent. This information is essential for understanding the role of these organisms in climate change, especially considering their high sensitivity to changes in land use and management. Additionally, this information would make these organisms a target for studies on soil quality and policies for soil conservation and native and agricultural ecosystems, especially in Brazilian biomes that are highly modified, such as the Atlantic Forest, and under constant threat of deforestation, such as the Amazon rainforest. (AU)