Effects of landscape complexity on biodiversity of rice agroecosystems: A meta-analysis

Abstract Soil communities in agricultural fields are shaped by both farm management and surrounding landscape structure. However, their relative contribution and potential interactions remain unclear. Understanding these relationships is essential for conserving soil biodiversity, which underpins key ecosystem functions and services. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a field soil sampling campaign across 87 farms in the Netherlands to assess how field‐scale management and landscape structure in combination determine multiple soil communities, including bacteria, fungi, protists and invertebrates, in agroecosystems. Landscape structure significantly influenced the diversity and composition of soil organisms in addition to the strong influence of field‐scale management. In particular, the compositional landscape heterogeneity played a stronger role than configurational heterogeneity in shaping soil community composition. Importantly, the influence of landscape structure on soil diversity was independent of land use intensity at the field scale, with the exception of soil invertebrates. Synthesis and applications . These findings highlight the need for conservation strategies that integrate both field‐scale and landscape‐scale planning. The promotion of diverse land use types might offer a practical pathway to maximize the effectiveness of soil biodiversity conservation within an intensively managed agricultural matrix.

Weeds reduce crop yield but may also support agroecosystem biodiversity. The biomass and functional composition of weed communities were evaluated in cereal-field bean intercrops and sole crops, with and without NP fertilization. Intercrops were repeatedly grown in the same plots using 1:1 and 2:1 cereal:field bean row ratios, while sole crops were sown at low or high density and rotated. Weeds were sampled at cereal flowering and maturity stages. Fertilization had little effect on weed biomass but tended to reduce species richness and favor cosmopolitan species. Intercropping reduced weed biomass two- to sevenfold compared with high-density cereal and legume sole crops. Plot richness was 39% lower in intercrops than in field bean and low-density cereal crops. Over three years, weed functional composition was influenced more by year than by crop system or fertilization. However, the contribution of tall weeds increased in intercrops: 51% compared to 42% in high-density sole crops and approximately 31% in low-density ones. The average frequency of types indicated early shifts in weed community structure. In conclusion, continuous cereal-field bean intercropping controlled weeds more effectively than rotated sole crops, with a slight decline in species richness and minor shifts in functional composition.

Abstract Plant litter retention is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy for restoring soil biodiversity and related functions in agroecosystems. However, how litter stoichiometry (e.g. carbon‐to‐nitrogen, C:N) influences soil biodiversity across multiple trophic groups and their assembly mechanisms remains poorly understood. To inform crop residue management for biodiversity conservation, we investigated the diversity and assembly processes of soil bacteria, fungi and nematodes (i.e. bacterivores, fungivores and predators) in a field experiment where six types of plant litter were manipulated to create a broad gradient of litter C:N stoichiometry. We particularly focused on community β‐diversity, which is important in capturing the variability in species composition among different locations. The results revealed that with increasing litter C:N stoichiometry, the β‐diversity of microbivores declined and that of predators slightly increased, contrasting with the fluctuating patterns in microbial β‐diversity, thereby leading to greater community homogenization at higher trophic groups with larger body sizes. The community assembly of soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) was mostly influenced by stochastic processes, whereas that of soil nematodes (bacterivores, fungivores and predators) was more deterministic, with soil nutrients and habitat (i.e. soil moisture and aggregates) serving as key environmental drivers. The importance of selection processes relative to stochastic processes increased with organism body size and became more pronounced with increasing litter C:N ratio. Synthesis and applications . Our results suggest that litter C:N ratio exerts contrasting effects on community assembly across multiple trophic groups of different body sizes, emphasizing the need to incorporate life‐history traits into biodiversity conservation strategies. These findings provide a robust applied field test of ecological theory linking litter stoichiometry to biodiversity conservation and management.

Abstract Tritrophic interactions among plants, herbivores, and natural enemies represent a fundamental ecological framework with significant potential for biological pest control. This review examines the application of tritrophic interactions for managing armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in citrus production systems, with emphasis on Indonesian agricultural contexts. Climate change has accelerated developmental rates of Diaspididae species, elevating their pest status. This review synthesizes current knowledge on herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) emitted by citrus following Diaspididae infestation and evaluates parasitoid efficacy as biological control agents. We analyze mechanisms governing tritrophic interactions, characterize chemical profiles of relevant HIPVs, and assess parasitoid effectiveness in scale insect population suppression. The review identifies critical knowledge gaps and outlines future research priorities while discussing practical implications for integrating tritrophic approaches into comprehensive pest management programs for citrus cultivation. The main findings show that there is a huge gap in information about Indonesian citrus systems. There are only 2–3 parasitoid species described locally compared to 89 species worldwide, which shows that natural enemies have not been studied enough. The research points out major gaps in HIPV characterization for Indonesian citrus cultivars and field validation investigations. Strategic recommendations prioritize rigorous parasitoid discovery utilizing molecular identification technologies, extensive volatile profiling for principal Indonesian citrus cultivars, and the manufacture of synthetic HIPV for field application. Using tritrophic interaction-based control could cut down on the need for pesticides by 60–80% and improve biodiversity in agroecosystems. However, this would require ongoing research funding and cooperation between farmers and researchers to deal with complicated environmental dependencies and species-specific interactions.

Assessment of soil bioturbation agents’ abundance and biodiversity in diverse agroecosystems of the semi-arid environment

Epigeic arthropods participate in the regulation of pest populations, the decomposition of organic ma t ter, and the maintenance of soil structure and quality, thus playing an important role in the functioning of vineyards. During 2021–2023, we analysed the spatial dispersion of epigeic arthropods in different types of vineyard habitats (semi-intensive vineyard, intensive vineyard, abandoned vineyard and meadow). During the investigation, a total of 56,726 individuals belonging to 23 taxa were recorded. The highest number s of taxa w ere recorded in traps located in the ecotone, while the number of taxa decreased toward the interior of each of the studied habitat s . The redundancy analysis confirmed the significant influence of habitat type on the spatial distribution of taxa. We confirmed statistically significant differences in the abundance of individuals between individual seasons and traps in all studied habitats. Linear regression showed a strong to moderate relationship between the distance of pitfall traps from the field edge and the abundance of individuals, while we predicti ed a trend of decreasing number s of individuals another 20 m into the field. The results point to the importance of ecotones for epigeic arthropods in the assessment of biodiversity in agroecosystems.

Abstract Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability and functioning as well as human well‐being. Measuring biodiversity is a complex task that is being improved through technological innovations like remote sensing (RS), including satellites and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). UAV‐based monitoring is particularly useful at the field scale, detecting local features that are challenging to detect by satellites. By synthesizing existing knowledge on UAVs for farmland biodiversity monitoring, we propose a methodology for a comprehensive and up‐to‐date review of their potential to provide biodiversity data. This process highlights current gaps and areas for future research. We also suggest new indicators usable with modern RS systems, including UAVs. The systematic review protocol follows the RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) guideline, a standard in environmental management and ecology. Literature was identified using specific keyword searches in Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection databases, then screened through a multi‐step process in which article titles were first screened, followed by the screening of abstracts and keywords, and finally, full texts of eligible studies were assessed in‐depth. This protocol provides a framework for understanding UAVs' potential in agroecosystem biodiversity monitoring. Articles showcase how certain RS techniques apply across different spatial scales, from individual fields to landscapes. The review identifies a functioning methodology to assess UAV and RS strengths, limitations and best practices and contextualizes literature on farmland biodiversity monitoring.

The escalating decline in biodiversity in agroecosystems is a growing concern. Chemical pollutants such as plasticizers are increasingly implicated in this decline, with potential implications for both food production and quality. Among these pollutants, the endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDC) bisphenol A (BPA) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are particularly widespread and well documented in agricultural environments. Previous studies have reported the bioaccumulation of BPA and DEHP in crop plants, resulting in impaired growth and productivity. However, these findings were based on contaminant concentrations thousands of times exceeding those typically found in the environment. This raised critical questions about the real effects of BPA and DEHP on crop plants at environmentally relevant doses, particularly under conditions of single or combined exposure. This study investigated the effects of environmental doses of BPA and DEHP on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum), one of the most important crops in the world. Plants were exposed via root application to low and intermediate environmental concentrations (0.05 µg.L-1 BPA and 0.5 µg.L-1 DEHP or 50 µg.L-1 BPA and 10 µg.L-1 DEHP, respectively), under both mono- and co-exposure. The results revealed disruption in plant growth and productivity, which varied based on the specific EDC, concentration and exposure conditions.

The escalating decline in biodiversity in agroecosystems is a growing concern. Chemical pollutants such as plasticizers are increasingly implicated in this decline, with potential implications for both food production and quality. Among these pollutants, the endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDC) bisphenol A (BPA) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are particularly widespread and well documented in agricultural environments. Previous studies have reported the bioaccumulation of BPA and DEHP in crop plants, resulting in impaired growth and productivity. However, these findings were based on contaminant concentrations thousands of times exceeding those typically found in the environment. This raised critical questions about the real effects of BPA and DEHP on crop plants at environmentally relevant doses, particularly under conditions of single or combined exposure. This study investigated the effects of environmental doses of BPA and DEHP on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum), one of the most important crops in the world. Plants were exposed via root application to low and intermediate environmental concentrations (0.05 µg.L-1 BPA and 0.5 µg.L-1 DEHP or 50 µg.L-1 BPA and 10 µg.L-1 DEHP, respectively), under both mono- and co-exposure. The results revealed disruption in plant growth and productivity, which varied based on the specific EDC, concentration and exposure conditions.

Biodiversity in human-dominated landscapes is declining, but evidence-based conservation targets to guide international policies for such landscapes are lacking. We present a framework for informing habitat conservation policies based on the enhancement of habitat quantity and quality and define thresholds of habitat quantity at which it becomes effective to also prioritize habitat quality. We applied this framework to insect pollinators, an important part of agroecosystem biodiversity, by synthesizing 59 studies from 19 countries. Given low habitat quality, hoverflies had the lowest threshold at 6% semi-natural habitat cover, followed by solitary bees (16%), bumble bees (18%), and butterflies (37%). These figures represent minimum habitat thresholds in agricultural landscapes, but when habitat quantity is restricted, marked increases in quality are required to reach similar outcomes.

The article examines the role of agrobiodiversity under increasing climate risks using materials related to agriculture in the Lviv region as a case study. In the course of studying agrobiodiversity in the Lviv region, a comprehensive approach was applied, combining statistical data analysis, biodiversity index assessment, comparative-geographical analysis, and elements of agroclimatic analysis. The main focus is placed on the quantitative assessment of species (crop) diversity in the crop production sector, as it is the most reliably represented in available sources of official statistics. It is demonstrated that biodiversity in agroecosystems is an important factor in ensuring their functional stability and a complex multi-level phenomenon that can be analyzed with varying degrees of detail. Three key subtypes of agrobiodiversity are distinguished—associated, wild, and genetic—each performing specific functions in maintaining the productivity and resilience of agroecosystems. It is noted that the structure of agricultural land use in the Lviv region is generally similar to European models, and the trends in changes of genetic biodiversity indicators in crop production of the region are evaluated. The study emphasizes the interrelationship between global climate change and agricultural development. Although its manifestations in the region are currently relatively moderate, crop production shows high sensitivity to weather factors. The instability of climatic conditions, the occurrence of extreme events, and disruptions of long-term cycles lead to increasing risks in the agricultural sector. It is stated that diversification of crop composition and the use of a wide range of varieties within individual crops make it possible to partially compensate for the negative impacts of climate change. The importance of agrobiodiversity as an instrument of agricultural adaptation to new climatic conditions is significantly increasing, which requires further research and consideration in agro-sector development strategies.

A critical analysis of ecology and diversity of Cyanobacteria in long-term chemicalized tropical plantation field soils: Implications for sustainable soil fertility management.

Changing weather conditions are having negative impacts on dryland (rainfed) crop production systems such as those found in the inland Pacific Northwest (iPNW). This region is dominated by winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production and also produces alternative crops such as canola (Brassica napus L.) and peas (Pisum sativum L.). Producers need crop rotations and agronomic management strategies that are equally productive and more sustainable than traditional winter wheat-fallow systems. New crop rotations should prioritize crop water use efficiency (WUE), protect soil health, and manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Intercropping is one practice that can promote agroecosystem biodiversity, soil health, drought resilience, and resource use efficiency (RUE), among other ecosystem services. Spring pea and spring canola intercropping, also referred to as “peaola,” is emerging as an alternative crop rotation and management strategy for the dryland iPNW mainly because it increases RUE and WUE, while reducing production inputs. However, little is known about producing peaola in the iPNW. Therefore, this review seeks to address a wide range of topics, including (but not limited to) ecological and agronomic aspects of intercropped systems, the impact of peaola production on soil health, the potential of peaola to reduce pest pressure and improve drought resilience, and examples of barriers that may prevent the adoption of peaola in the iPNW. Findings indicate that peaola can provide agroecosystem benefits such as improved water infiltration, soil organic matter turnover, nutrient cycling, and increased land use efficiency. However, complexity of management, a lack of region-specific research, and marketing constraints are legitimate challenges barring the immediate adoption of peaola. Nonetheless, peaola has the potential to improve cereal crop production and promote sustainability in dryland agricultural systems across the iPNW.

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii is an injurious polyphagous pest threatening worldwide soft fruit production. Its high adaptability to new colonized environments, short life cycle, and wide host range are supporting its rapid spread. The most common techniques to reduce its significant economic damage are based on multiple insecticides applications per season, even prior to the harvest, which reduces agroecosystem biodiversity and affects human and animal health. Environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions on insecticide use are driving the need for studies on alternative biological control strategies. This study aimed to assess the effect of T. drosphilae in controlling D. suzukii infestations and its interaction with P. vindemiae, a secondary parasitoid naturally present in Apulia (South Italy). Field experiments were carried out in organic cherry orchards in Gioia del Colle (Bari, Italy) to test the efficacy and adaptability of T. drosphilae following weekly releases of artificially reared individuals. Additionally, the interaction between P. vindemiae and T. drosphilae was studied under laboratory conditions. Results from field experiments showed that D. suzukii populations were significantly lower when both parasitoids were present. However, T. drosophilae was less prone to adaptation, so its presence and parasitism were limited to the post-release period. Laboratory experiments, instead, confirmed the high reduction of D. suzukii populations when both parasitoids are present. However, the co-existence of the two parasitoids resulted in a reduced parasitism rate and offspring production, notably for T. drosophilae. This competitive disadvantage may explain its poor establishment in field conditions. These findings suggest that the field release of the two natural enemies should be carried out with reference to their natural population abundance to not generate competition effects.

This study aimed to address the lack of comprehensive research on the occurrence and diversity of insect species in jujube orchards. The research focused on identifying key insect species and assessing their potential impacts on the orchard ecosystem. Insect species were sampled from 2022 to 2024 using field surveys with direct observation, and their diversity was analysed based on occurrence. 12 orders, 42 families, and 57 species were identified over the three-year study period. Primary pollinators were found to belong to the Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera orders, while most identified pests were from the Hemiptera, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera orders. Predators were part of Coleoptera and Araneae, while occasional visitors were part of Coleoptera, Diptera, and Odonata orders. The analysed diversity indices suggest high species diversity and evenness (Shannon-Weiner = 3.593; Simpson’s = 0.461; and Pielou’s Evenness Index = 0.889). The major jujube pests identified were Phaneroptera nana, Halyomorpha halys, Nezara viridula, and Stictocephala bisonia. The study emphasizes the significance of understanding insect biodiversity in agroecosystems, demonstrating that the Chinese jujube is highly attractive to entomofauna. These findings provide valuable insights for future pest management and sustainable farming practices in jujube orchards.

Agricultural practices significantly influence agroecosystem biodiversity, driving a growing focus on the development of environmentally sustainable management strategies. Olive (Olea europaea L.) is one of the most widely cultivated tree crops in the Mediterranean basin and other regions with a Mediterranean climate. In this study, we employed a split-plot design with whole plots arranged as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to evaluate the effects of minimum tillage and the application of wood distillate to olive canopies on wild vascular plant and soil-dwelling springtail communities in a conventionally managed olive grove in central Italy. Biotic communities were sampled twice, in November and April. Tillage caused a marginally significant decrease in springtail species richness in April and significantly influenced the composition of both plant and springtail communities in April. All the plant species showed a decrease in abundance under tillage, whereas the abundance of springtail species responded to tillage in a species-specific way. Wood distillate had no effect on any community attribute in either season. Springtail total abundance was not affected by any treatment in either season. Our findings confirm that tillage practices affect the diversity of plant and springtail communities. Moreover, we had evidence that spring tillage may have more negative impacts on the studied communities with respect to autumn tillage. Moreover, we suggest that the application of low-concentration wood distillate to olive canopies can be considered, in the short-term, a sustainable agricultural practice that does not negatively affect agroecosystem biodiversity.

Abstract. Pradana AP, Izzatika ZN, Addy HS. 2025. Molecular detection of Dorylaimus stagnalis (Durjan, 1845), in the rhizosphere of soybean plants in Jember District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 26: 1913-1919. Nematodes, members of the phylum Nematoda, are ubiquitous soil organisms whose community composition provides critical insights into soil health and ecosystem function. The genus Dorylaimus is of particular ecological interest due to its adaptability and role in nutrient cycling within diverse terrestrial environments. This study documents the first molecular and morphometric confirmation of Dorylaimus stagnalis (Dujardin, 1845), in the rhizosphere of soybean (Glycine max) in Jember District, Indonesia. Soil samples were systematically collected from 15 distinct sites within soybean fields using a standardized protocol, and nematodes were extracted via the Whitehead tray method. Detailed morphological observations were made using an Olympus BX50 light microscope, and morphometric measurements were obtained following De Man’s ratios, which collectively confirmed diagnostic features consistent with D. stagnalis as reported in previous studies. Molecular characterization was performed by PCR amplification of the 28S-D2D3 region followed by Sanger sequencing. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis revealed 94% sequence similarity to established reference sequences (AY592994.1 and AY592995.1) and a low genetic distance of 0.1058, thereby substantiating the taxonomic identity of the specimens. This study’s integrative approach not only verifies the presence of D. stagnalis in Indonesia but also indicates subtle morphometric variations potentially attributable to local environmental pressures. Its findings expand the current understanding of nematode biodiversity in Indonesian agroecosystems and provide a framework for future research on sustainable soil management practices.

Conservation of biodiversity in agroecosystems is essential for the sustainability of insect-pollinated crops. This study aimed to evaluate the importance of areas near the rapeseed crops containing spontaneous Brassicaceae species and to identify the insects visiting both. We assessed the impact of pollinators on rapeseed yield, its components, and seed oil content. The research was conducted in experimental plots in the southeastern Pampas region during 2017, 2018, and 2019. Each year, two rapeseed cultivars (a hybrid and a variety) were tested. The flowering period of spontaneous Brassicaceae extended beyond 90 days, approximately three times longer than the rapeseed crop. In the spontaneous Brassicaceae and the rapeseed plots, the same species of flower visitors were captured. However, in two of the three years, the number of insects was higher in the spontaneous patches. These findings highlight the importance of these plants as food resources for pollinators. When insects had access to the crop, the yield was significantly higher for all tested rapeseed cultivars, with an average increase ranging between 27% and 35%. Pollinators enhanced rapeseed production without affecting the oil percentage, resulting in an increased oil yield per hectare by positively impacting grain yield.

The implementation of an environmentally friendly agroecosystem can increase and enhance agroecosystem biodiversity. Ground dwelling arthropods play an important role in the rice field ecosystem for maintaining soil health and fertility through the organic material decomposition and nutrient cycling, acting as natural enemies of pests, and improving soil structure through bioturbation and aeration. The study aimed to compare the biodiversity and composition of ground dwelling arthropods in environmentally friendly and conventional rice fields. Field surveys were conducted in environmentally friendly and conventional rice fields in Margodadi Village Seyegan District, Sleman, Yogyakarta using a purposive sampling method using a pitfall trap. Results showed that diversity of ground dwelling arthropods in environmentally friendly rice fields was higher than conventional rice fields. The arthropods found in environmentally friendly rice fields were 6 orders, 38 families, 60 species and 218 individuals. Meanwhile, in conventional rice fields, there are 7 orders, 19 families, 39 species and 137 individuals. Ground dwelling arthropods found in conventional and environmentally friendly rice fields identified as predators, pests and neutral insects. The higher species diversity and abundance in environmentally friendly rice paddies indicate enhanced ecological balance and resilience. These findings emphasize the potential for cultivating environmentally friendly agriculture to preserve arthropod diversity and enhance rice ecosystem services.