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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Standardising terrestrial invertebrate biomonitoring techniques across natural and agricultural systems

Peter J. Neville A C and Alan L. Yen B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, PO Box 606, Welshpool, WA 6986, Australia.

B Primary Industries Research Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, 621 Burwood Highway, Knoxfield, Vic. 3156, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: peter.neville@aqis.gov.au

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47(4) 384-391 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA05268
Submitted: 30 May 2005  Accepted: 18 September 2006   Published: 9 March 2007

Abstract

Invertebrate biomonitoring is often cited as a means to assess ecological sustainability. This paper surveys the use of sampling techniques to assess invertebrate abundance and diversity within natural and agricultural systems. Results found that fewer sampling techniques were used in natural systems, with the emphasis being placed on pitfall traps, than in agricultural systems, where multiple techniques and a wide range of techniques were used to document the abundance and distribution of invertebrates. A detailed examination of pitfall trap techniques demonstrated inconsistencies in use, leading to recommendations for standardised sampling regimes to document bioindicators in natural and agricultural systems.


Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge Maurizio Paoletti for his encouragement in preparing this paper.


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