Knowledge Network for Biocomplexity | Source | Data |
The Knowledge Network for Biocomplexity (KNB) is an international repository launched in 1998 to support ecological and environmental research. Operated by the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS), KNB provides long-term access to ecological data, adhering to FAIR principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable). It partners with DataONE to ensure data longevity and offers tools for sharing and analyzing complex ecological datasets. The KNB uses open-source software to manage data, making it a valuable resource for scientists worldwide.
The data comes from a study by a German research team that evaluate soil health and biodiversity across eight permaculture plots in Germany and one in Luxembourg, with sampling conducted between 2019 and 2021. These plots were designed for economic self-sufficiency and integrated diverse land use types, including grazing and fruit trees. Soil samples were taken from each permaculture land use type and compared to a control field representing typical local agricultural practices. The analyses focused on soil carbon, nutrients, microbial communities, earthworm abundance, bulk density, and topsoil depth. Biodiversity assessments included species richness of vascular plants, earthworms, and birds, alongside measurements of tree coverage.