Terrestrial Ecology

Department
Biodivercity Roof
© NIOO-KNAW

In Terrestrial Ecology, we conduct impactful fundamental research on the diversity and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems and the responses of species, communities, and ecosystems to changing environmental conditions. We connect above- and belowground compartments of terrestrial ecosystems by focusing on interactions between soil communities, plants, and wildlife. We use our knowledge to develop and test evidence-based strategies for nature restoration and land management for a sustainable future and to train a new generation of students. We maintain and develop research infrastructure to support our work.

 

Facilities

Terrestrial Ecology research facilities

Soil biodiversity is at the basis of terrestrial ecosystems

Soil organisms play a key role in driving plant performance and ecosystem functions in terrestrial ecosystems. We study (1) how plant-associated microorganisms - from beneficial mutualists to harmful pathogens – drive plant health, plant distributions and invasions of exotic species and (2) how soil organisms, including microbes and fauna, regulate ecosystem functions, such as carbon storage and nutrient provisioning to plants, both in natural and managed ecosystems. We aim to understand how these relationships are impacted by climatic, pedological, and anthropogenic conditions. 

Soil

Responses and adaption of species, communities and ecosystems to a changing climate

The resilience of ecosystems in a changing climate depends on the adaptive capacity of individual species to cope with climate change. With plants as model systems, we study the mechanisms of rapid adaptive capacity, including micro-evolution, plasticity and the role of epigenetic mechanisms. We link these mechanisms to patterns of plant diversity in human-altered environments. We also explore how climate adaptation in wild species can inform plant breeding for more resilient crops.

Dandelion

Ecosystem restoration and sustainable use of land

We develop and test strategies for ecosystem restoration and sustainable use of land, both in natural and agricultural systems. We focus on (1) rewilding as an ecosystem restoration technique that aims to give more room to natural processes to let nature restore itself. We study how different forms of rewilding affect biodiversity recovery, climate change adaptation and mitigation and societal needs and work with local stakeholders to include their knowledge and to connect rewilding science and practice and (2) understanding how we can steer soil communities for sustainable land use and restoration of soils in agriculture and nature.

Cows

Research support

We have a team of experienced research assistants that support work in the field, greenhouses, and laboratory. Together, the research assistants have a broad skill set, with expertise in molecular techniques to identify organisms (e.g., metabarcoding) and track epigenetic variation, chemical analyses of plant and soil samples, tracing of stable isotopes, microscopy, and carrying out large-scale experiments in the field, common gardens, and greenhouse.

Research support

Research infrastructure

We develop and maintain experimental facilities, ranging from long-term field experiments in the Veluwe nature area (e.g., a NutNet node), common garden experiments and greenhouse facilities, molecular tools and pipelines (e.g., EpiGBS), and databases and modelling platforms (e.g., LTER-LIFE, AMF database).

Plants in greenhouse

Hub for ecological expertise

  1. We founded the Rewilding expertise centre. Here, we make knowledge on rewilding available and work together closely with local stakeholders to include their knowledge and to connect rewilding science and practice. 
  2. We co-founded and chair the National Centre for Soil Ecology. This is a virtual platform to connect soil ecologists in the Netherlands. NCSE is a grassroots initiative led by Dutch universities, research institutions and universities of applied sciences.
Scientists involved in the new National Centre for Soil ecology together

Research groups

Within Terrestrial Ecology the research is carried out by five principal investigators and their research groups:

  • Lejoly: Intersection between soil ecology and biogeochemistry
  • Bakker: Rewilding as a novel ecosystem restoration technique
  • Veen: Soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
  • Verhoeven: Plant adaptation to rapid environmental change
  • Delavaux: Mutualism-mediation of plant biogeography, diversity and ecology
Research support

Medewerkers

Alle medewerkers

Evenementen

  1. 13th International Symposium on Earthworm Ecology (Engelstalig)

    Evenement
    Tiny Ten: De regenworm

  2. Bodemdierendagen 2026

    Evenement

  3. Grote Open Dag NIOO 2026

    Evenement
Alle evenementen

Peer-reviewed publicaties

Populair-wetenschappelijke publicaties