@article{Zhao2026,

title = {Plant–arthropod–soil interactions in reservoir water-level fluctuation zones: A novel driver of soil phosphorus cycling},

author = {Qing Zhao and Yang Lan and Ying Shao and Xin Zhang and Yuan Feng and Esraa E. Ammar and Martina Roß-Nickoll and Beth A. Kaplin and Lanya Feng and Zhongli Chen},

doi = {10.1016/j.agee.2026.110361},

issn = {0167-8809},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-07-00},

urldate = {2026-07-00},

journal = {Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment},

volume = {404},

pages = {110361},

publisher = {Elsevier BV},

abstract = {Anthropogenic water-level fluctuations in reservoir riparian zones establish unique spatiotemporal gradients that restructure biogeochemical cycles and multi-trophic biodiversity. We investigated the mechanistic nexus between hydrological forcing, phosphorus (P) cycling, and arthropod community assembly in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China. Using linear mixed-effects models and multi-factor PERMANOVA, we quantified that water-level gradients explained 19.81% of the total variance in arthropod community composition (p < 0.01), with the highest impact observed in aboveground habitats (R2 = 23.81%). Our results demonstrate that hydrological gradients predominantly govern the mobilization and redistribution of soil P by altering the soil physicochemical matrix (bulk density and moisture content). These abiotic shifts significantly restructure P-transformation pathways, as evidenced by the coupled response of acid phosphatase (ACP) activity, microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP), and the metagenomic abundance of mineralization genes (K01507). Hydrological regimes impose strong selective pressures that favor specific functional pioneers. The legume Aeschynomene indica (A. indica) serves as a critical ecosystem engineer by enhancing soil P-bioavailability and microbial nutrient turnover. Compared to zones dominated by the graminoid Cynodon dactylon, A. indica supported significantly higher arthropod richness and distinct community structures across spatial layers. Piecewise structural equation modeling revealed a hierarchical transition of ecological filters where A. indica-mediated soil phosphorus availability and substrate supply directly regulate belowground arthropod diversity (β = 0.67, p < 0.001). Whereas aboveground assemblages are primarily shaped by a cascade of hydrological filtering and vegetation-structural complexity. Collectively, these findings reveal that artificial hydrological regimes engineer nutrient cycles through plant-soil feedbacks to restructure multi-trophic communities. This study provides a mechanistic framework for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration in reservoir ecosystems.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Bach2026,

title = {Natural history societies as stewards of biodiversity data: Lessons from arachnology for improving quality, access and trust},

author = {Alexander Bach and Martina Roß-Nickoll and Helge Bruelheide and Aletta Bonn and Michael Hohner and Christoph Muster and Stefan Seifert and Florian Raub and Hubert Höfer},

doi = {10.1016/j.ecoinf.2026.103694},

issn = {1574-9541},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-03-00},

urldate = {2026-03-00},

journal = {Ecological Informatics},

pages = {103694},

publisher = {Elsevier BV},

abstract = {Scientific societies, particularly taxon-focused natural history societies, play a crucial role in the long-term curation, mobilization, and governance of biodiversity data. They provide both the necessary expertise and social continuity to ensure data quality, foster trust, and build community cohesion. In this paper, we highlight the contributions of a natural history society for arachnids in Central Europe, the Arachnologische Gesellschaft, by describing two complementary biodiversity data infrastructures it coordinates: the Atlas of the European Arachnids, a curated occurrence-based mapping portal, and ARAMOB, a curated research data repository for ecological community datasets. We outline how these portals were developed in close collaboration with experts, museums, and research institutions, and how they are technically linked to or embedded in national and international data infrastructures such as World Spider Catalog, NFDI4Biodiversity and GBIF. Through this case study, we show how scientific societies can function as trusted intermediaries between data producers, aggregators, and users ensuring the visibility, interpretability, and interoperability of biodiversity data. We conclude with recommendations for strengthening similar community-rooted, taxon-specific infrastructures for other organism groups.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{10.1371/journal.pone.0340193,

title = {Temperature-dependence of early development of zebrafish and the consequences for laboratory use and animal welfare},

author = {Angelina Miller and Katja Lisa Schröder and Karsten Eike Braun and Caitlin Steindorf and Richard Ottermanns and Martina Roß-Nickoll and Henner Hollert and Thomas Backhaus},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0340193},

doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0340193},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-12-31},

urldate = {2026-01-01},

journal = {PLOS ONE},

volume = {20},

number = {12},

pages = {1-16},

publisher = {Public Library of Science},

abstract = {Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are widely used in biological research, but the impact of incubation temperatures on developmental endpoints is still insufficiently studied. This study quantifies developmental differences in zebrafish embryos incubated at 26°C and 28°C, focusing on key endpoints (heartbeat onset, hatching time, eye size, yolk sac consumption, and body length). For this purpose, we recorded a high-resolution time series comprising hourly observations of early developmental stages and key events and bi-hourly observations of body length until 120 hours post fertilization. Additionally, we recorded a low-resolution time series at 72, 96, and 119 hours post fertilization for detailed measurements of eye size, yolk sac area, and body length. Embryos incubated at 26°C showed consistent delays in developmental stages compared to those at 28°C, with delays becoming more pronounced at later stages. Yolk sac consumption was delayed by about 19.8 hours at 26°C by 119 hours post fertilization, suggesting a delayed onset of independent feeding. These findings suggest that time-based regulatory limits for rearing zebrafish, such as the 120-hour threshold in German regulations (TierSchVerV), do not fully account for temperature-dependent development. The results emphasize the need for guidelines linking incubation temperatures to developmental progress.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Miller2025,

title = {Dataset on temperature dependency of zebrafish early development},

author = {Angelina Miller and Katja Lisa Schröder and Karsten Eike Braun and Caitlin Steindorf and Richard Ottermanns and Martina Roß-Nickoll and Thomas Backhaus},

doi = {10.1038/s41597-025-04731-4},

issn = {2052-4463},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-12-00},

urldate = {2025-12-00},

journal = {Scientific Data},

volume = {12},

publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC},

abstract = {Zebrafish (Danio rerio) early development stages that do not feed independently, are classified as non-protected life stages under EU Directive 2010/63. Zebrafish reach the independently feeding stage not earlier than 120 hours post fertilization, depending on the incubation temperature. This paper presents a dataset documenting zebrafish early development at two commonly used temperatures 26 °C and 28 °C. We recorded onset of heartbeat and hatching as well as body length, eye size, yolk sac consumption, and swim bladder inflation. Additionally, locomotor activity was tracked after 96 and 119 hours post fertilization. The dataset offers a reference for selecting appropriate experimental conditions and optimizing toxicological study designs. They also facilitate the comparison of experimental results recorded at these two temperatures. Furthermore, the data provide empirical evidence for amending current guidelines for tests with zebrafish embryos, in particular moving away from a rigid 120 hours post fertilization maximum test duration towards a temperature-dependent maximum test duration that is still in line with the aims of the German Animal Welfare Act.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Wolf2025,

title = {iMulch: an investigation of the influence of polymers on a terrestrial ecosystem using the example of mulch films used in agriculture},

author = {Carmen Wolf and Mike Wenzel and Björn Fischer and Ralf Bertling and Erich Jelen and Dieter Hennecke and Karlheinz Weinfurtner and Martina Roß-Nickoll and Henner Hollert and Antonia Weltmeyer and Kristina Bitter and Pauline Ruiz and Dusica Banduka and Jochen Tuerk and Lars M. Blank},

doi = {10.1186/s12302-024-01050-0},

issn = {2190-4715},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-12-00},

urldate = {2025-12-00},

journal = {Environmental Sciences Europe},

volume = {37},

publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC},

abstract = {Background



This article provides an overview of the iMulch joint project, which analysed the use of polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable mulch films made of a polylactide (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) on agricultural land as a source of microplastic. The development of a detection methodology using Raman spectroscopy and thermo-extraction desorption gas chromatography mass–spectrometry (TED-GC–MS), the adsorption behaviour, ageing in drainage water and soil, their transport behaviour in lysimeters, ecotoxicity, uptake in plants, a life cycle assessment (LCA) and upcycling were considered.

Results



The PE film tested showed hardly any degradation or fragmentation during the ageing tests. The biodegradable films showed incipient degradation after 8 weeks in drainage water and initial degradation after 12 weeks in soil ageing experiments. Additionally no degradation could be detected in the lysimeter test within the 24 months analysed. The biodegradable films could be metabolized in laboratory tests with some microorganisms present in the soil. This indicates that these films can be degraded in the environment if the conditions for degradation are optimal. No microorganisms or fungi that could degrade the PE film within a respective period of time were detected in the soil. Adsorption of the tested substances was not observed. Incorporated in soil, mulch film microplastic showed retention of extractable pesticides. In the ecotoxicological tests, both film types showed no acute toxic effects in the earthworm Eisenia fetida and the springtail Folsomia candida. Endocrine activity was observed in eluate samples from both films. However, aged films showed fewer effects than non-aged films.

Conclusion



Both types of film show no transport or degradation in the tests under real conditions, which means that they remain in the upper soil layer, where they are available to soil organisms and can lead to high concentrations in the future. As the biodegradable film could be degraded, at least under ideal conditions, we recommend its use. However, proof of degradation must first be verified under real field conditions. In addition, we recommend the use of thicker conventional mulch films to minimize the emission of plastic particles. For this purpose, a minimum lower limit for the material thickness should be defined.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Zhang2024,

title = {Conversion of Rice Field Ecosystems from Conventional to Ecological Farming: Effects on Pesticide Fate, Ecotoxicity and Soil Properties},

author = {Yulin Zhang and Yinjie Yang and Ying Shao and Junjie Wang and Zhongli Chen and Martina Roß-Nickoll and Andreas Schäffer},

doi = {10.1007/s00267-024-02064-3},

issn = {1432-1009},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-04-00},

urldate = {2025-04-00},

journal = {Environmental Management},

volume = {75},

number = {4},

pages = {930--944},

publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC},

abstract = {Rice is an important staple food around the world, the cultivation as sustainable agriculture and food supply are key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2030. In order to analyze the sustainability of the rice paddy ecosystem, a comparative study was carried out during the rice growing season between paddies with conventional agriculture (CA) and ecological agriculture (EA), integrating analysis of physico-chemical characteristics of soil and soil pore water, pesticide residues, acute toxic effects and potential ecological risk, as well as aquatic invertebrate community structure dynamics. Our study found that total carbon and nitrogen present in soil were significantly higher in CA than in EA, while opposite results were found in soil pore water, implying the improvement on soil properties in EA. Neonicotinoid pesticides (thiamethoxam and thiacloprid) were still detected in EA, although no pesticides were applied after conversing CA to EA. Additionally, toxic effects to zebrafish embryos with a peak toxicity in summer (July, LC50 = 55.26 mg soil equivalent/L) were also found in EA, which was lower than in CA. The dynamics of the aquatic invertebrate community structure were correlated with the toxicity results, with higher diversity recorded in EA. Therefore, for the purpose of ecosystem sustainability, the long-term implementation of EA is highly recommended.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Bach2024,

title = {From lawns to meadows: spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) as indicators to measure urban grassland restoration success},

author = {Alexander Bach and Jana Jedamski and Benjamin Daniels and Martina Roß-Nickoll},

doi = {10.1007/s11252-024-01626-x},

issn = {1573-1642},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-02-00},

urldate = {2025-02-00},

journal = {Urban Ecosystems},

volume = {28},

issue = {41},

publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC},

abstract = {In the present study, we investigate how spiders can be used to assess the effectiveness of restoring mesic grasslands on former urban lawns. We compile and analyze a comprehensive dataset, including both past and current data, focusing on the Aachen region. By systematically examining this data, we identify various indicators using different analytical methods. This approach allows us to distinguish distinct species communities, making them useful as diagnostic tools at various stages of habitat development. Additionally, we identify further parameters that are essential for evaluating meadow restoration in urban settings. We highlight the crucial importance of understanding the local species repertoire, as this knowledge is vital for setting realistic benchmarks for restoration projects.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{LAN2025377,

title = {Revegetation potential assessment on the Hanfeng Lake of the Three Gorges Reservoir: Evidence from soil seed bank},

author = {Yang Lan and Tingting Li and Yinjie Yang and Min Zhou and Xin Zhang and Qiang Feng and Jingbo Xu and Ying Shao and Martina Roß-Nickoll and Zhongli Chen},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1642359324000636},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecohyd.2024.05.006},

issn = {1642-3593},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Ecohydrology & Hydrobiology},

volume = {25},

number = {2},

pages = {377-388},

abstract = {The hydrological regiments of large reservoirs worldwide always are always artificially controlled, significantly impacting the ecosystems of the water level fluctuation zone (WLFZ). In China, the anti-natural periodic water level fluctuation has led to plant diversity decline in the WLFZ of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), causing seriously ecosystem problems. Attempts on revegetation was carried out since 2009, which mainly aimed to re-establish the natural riparian vegetation including trees, shrubs, and herbs. Whereas, the revegetation efficient has not yet been evaluated. To evaluate the effectiveness of the revegetation, the soil seed bank (SSB), aboveground vegetation (AGV), soil physiochemical parameters and inundation disturbance were integrated to assess the potential of revegetation in the WLFZ of the Hanfeng Lake. The results showed that seed reproduction is the main reproductive mode of aboveground communities in both artificial and natural restoration sites. The similarity between SSB and AGV increased as compared to that of the pre-revegetation project implement. The diversity of SSB was higher than that AGV, furthermore, diversity increased on artificial revegetation site was found. The seed density on natural revegetation sites (6396.97 ± 4699.49 seeds/m2) was significantly higher than that of the airtificial restoration site (p < 0.01). Soil nutrients were richer in the restoration sites compared to the reference sites. However, the correlation between soil physiochemical parameters and SSB/AGV varied, indicating that potential succession in vegetation may still occur. Revegetation potential assessment revealed that a slightly higher revegetation ability in artificial revegetation sites comparing to that of the natural sites, while the revegetation potential was not significant between them, showing the challenges on revegetation of the WLFZs in the TGR region. To better maintain the ecological functions and sustainability of the fragile ecosystem in the WLFZs, intergrating natural based solutions with approcimiate artificial measurements are recommanded.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.70034,

title = {Riparian Vegetation Adapts to the Antiseasonal Water Fluctuations: Insights From Plant Functional Traits},

author = {Yuan Feng and Zihan Zhu and Ying Shao and Martina Roß-Nickoll and Zhongli Chen},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/eco.70034},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.70034},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

journal = {Ecohydrology},

volume = {18},

number = {3},

pages = {e70034},

abstract = {ABSTRACT Plant functional traits (PFTs) reflect plant responses to environmental changes, with different species exhibiting distinct trait combinations along environmental gradients, illustrating trade-offs in survival strategies. However, the patterns of functional traits in reservoir water-level fluctuation zones—where hydrological regimes are artificially regulated—remain poorly understood. This study hypothesized that (1) intracommunity functional traits vary along water-level gradients, (2) functional traits converge among species within the same water fluctuation zone and (3) trade-offs in functional traits are evident in morphology, shoots and roots. To test these hypotheses, we analysed plant community properties and measured intra- and interspecies trait variation across spatial and environmental gradients. Correlation analysis identified key drivers of ecological adaptation strategies. Results showed that water fluctuations were the primary factor shaping PFTs, with traits converging horizontally along longitudinal gradients but diverging along lateral gradients. Flooding stress induced niche differentiation in dominant plants, leading to distinct survival strategies: Cynodon dactylon exhibited a high conservation-stasis strategy, while Xanthium sibiricum adopted a fast investment-escape strategy, both maintaining high homeostasis. Cyperus rotundus displayed a conservation-stasis strategy in severely flooding zones but shifted to a fast investment-escape strategy in moderately flooded zones. This study demonstrates that plants employ diverse adaptive strategies under reservoir-induced hydrological conditions, providing insights for revegetation in water-level fluctuation zones as a nature-based solution.},

note = {e70034 ECO-24-0168.R2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}