Biological measurements in a nationwide soil monitoring network

In the Netherlands soil biological measurements are undertaken in a nationwide monitoring programme. The measurements are combined in the Biological Indicator of Soil Quality (BISQ). About 300 locations were selected in a random stratified design comprising stringent combinations of land use and soil type. All locations were sampled in a six-year cycle. In this contribution we describe the monitoring network and the BISQ and present average values for biomass, abundances and taxonomic diversity of various soil dwelling organisms derived from 10 years of measurements. We further highlight some results and discuss the possibilities in soil and land management policy frameworks for improving sustainable land management. © 2009 British Society of Soil Science.