English Abstract Part one of the evaluation report gives a complete
outline of the soil ecological research that was carried out between 1984
and 1993, by the section Terrestrial Ecology (LBG/RIVM). Practical research
in the laboratory and field has been done, as a basis for general advisory
tasks to support of the process of legislation for soil protection. For
reasons of feasibility, the research was emphasized on the ecology and
ecotoxicology of the free-living soil nematodes. Eighteen projects were
carried out between 1984 and 1993. They can be grouped in 4 themes: 1)
Ecological soil typology. 2). Effects of disturbance and pollution. 3)
Ecological recovery. 4) biomonitoring. It was estimated that in total 46
'man-year' were invested in the nematode research program. Theme 2 was the
main area of research (27 man-year). Further project management aspects are
given in paragraph 3.6. The research resulted in 17 publications, 10
RIVM-reports and 22 student- reports. The development of the research was
discussed with policymakers from the Soil Department. Comparison was made
with former and recent need for knowledge of soil ecological processes. The
nematode research itself was examined for its scientific value and
innovation, collaboration network and future possibilities in new (and
applied) soil biological studies.
