Soil: Invertebrate metabarcoding / biomonitoring

eDNA soil testing provides a revolutionary, non-invasive method for monitoring invertebrate species in terrestrial ecosystems, offering ecologists and conservationists an efficient way to assess biodiversity in soil environments. By targeting the Cytochrome c Oxidase I (COI) gene, a mitochondrial marker commonly used in species identification, this technique allows for the detection of invertebrate DNA in soil samples, even from rare or elusive species that are challenging to detect through traditional sampling methods. The high resolution of the COI marker enables accurate species identification across a wide range of invertebrates, including those present in the soil during early life stages or in low abundance. This approach is particularly valuable for understanding invertebrate diversity in complex and hard-to-reach environments, such as forests, grasslands, and agricultural soils.

For conservationists working to protect soil health and restore ecosystems, COI eDNA soil testing is an invaluable tool for tracking invertebrate populations, detecting invasive species, and assessing the overall functioning of soil ecosystems. Invertebrates play a critical role in nutrient cycling, soil aeration, and organic matter decomposition, making them key indicators of soil quality and ecosystem health. By integrating COI eDNA testing into their ecological monitoring programs, conservationists can gain more precise and comprehensive data on invertebrate communities without the need for disruptive, labor-intensive fieldwork. This method is especially useful for large-scale or remote monitoring, allowing for the early detection of shifts in species composition that could signal environmental stress or degradation. Ultimately, COI eDNA soil testing helps ensure more effective conservation and management strategies aimed at maintaining healthy, biodiverse, and resilient ecosystems.