SOIL ORGANISMSFIELD STRONGER TOGETHER

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Welcome to Eurofins Agroscience Services

Eurofins Agroscience Services offers a wide range of field studies following standard or special designs. All studies are planned and performed by a highly experienced team of scientists and technical personnel according to the most recent guidelines and guidance documents. We are experienced in conducting field studies with soil organisms such as earthworms, nematodes, several soil inhabiting arthropod species including micro-arthropods (collembolans and soil mites). Semi-field and field tests (litterbag, earthworm field trials and micro-arthropod trials) can be performed throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

Studies are conducted with species occurring naturally at the field site. The focus of this type of study is at soil organism community level.

Litterbag studies focus on the function (litter decomposition) of the soil organism community Earthworm field studies observe earthworm populations for at least one year Micro-arthropod studies can be evaluated using different organisms (soil mites, collembolans, nematodes, enchytraeids)

Possible effects after application are observed as well as the following recovery over the time period. Studies are performed according to the most recent guidelines in Northern and Southern Germany, Northern and Southern France, Northern and Southern Spain, Italy, Scandinavia, Greece and other countries across the globe. Analysis and determination work is done in-house.

Litterbag StudiesLitterbag studies are performed according to the guidance documents, EPFES (Römbke et al. 2003) and OECD series on testing and assessment No 56 (2006).

Litterbag studies are used to monitor the effect of plant protection products (PPPs) on the breakdown of organic matter in the field. We have performed trials in Northern and Southern Europe on different types of crop and are also one of the few CRO's with extensive experience in the Mediterranean climate.

Earthworm Field StudiesEarthworms are widely considered as representative terrestrial organisms closely associated with the soil. Earthworm fauna field testing for ecotoxicological risk assessment is considered for registration procedures of crop protection products in different countries including those of the European Union.

The design of earthworm field studies is conducted according to the ISO (11268-3) guideline. We offer earthworm studies globally in all types of crops.

We also have experience with long term earthworm field trials and earthworm residue and accumulation trials.

Soil Micro-Arthropod Field StudiesStudies are conducted with species occurring naturally at the test site. The focus of this type of study is on soil organism community level. Springtails (Collembola), soil mites and other micro arthropods in the soil are sampled using soil cores from treated plots. Extraction and determination to a certain level are done in house. The sampling is performed according to ISO guideline 23611-2 and 23611-3.

Special Skills• Potential to develop and adapt test designs to specific requests• Special application techniques (granule application in furrow or wide spread, application of spray liquid in furrow, fumigation, application of non-soluble substances on carrier substance etc.)• Combined design earthworm field study with micro-arthropod study • Combined design earthworm residue study with arthropod residue study • Identification of earthworms, collembolans and soil mites in house • Dust studies evaluating the potential risk during drilling procedure• Statistics using SAS, Canoco etc.

Eurofins Scientific GroupEurofins Scientific is a life sciences company that serves a wide range of industries including the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and environmental sectors.

We are a leading provider of product development consultancy and technical support to the crop protection industry. Our technical activities involve conducting field and laboratory studies to determine the safety and efficacy of new agrochemicals and crop varieties. With over 25 years of experience, Eurofins Agroscience Services offers outstanding technical knowledge and project management skills. By acquiring a carefully selected range of CRO’s, we have created a unique portfolio of expertise that provides analytical, regulatory and field support to plant breeders, agrochemical, biopesticide, biocide and fine chemical manufacturers.

www.eurofins.com/agroscienceservices

Litterbags placed in the soil

Field application

Litterbag trial