Using invertebrate bioindicators to assess agricultural sustainability in Australia: proposals and current practices

Abstract

The papers in this special issue, 'Using Invertebrate Bioindicators to Assess Agricultural Sustainability in Australia: Proposals and Current Practices', highlight the diversity of invertebrates in agricultural environments and associated environments, and the varied roles they play in agricultural production. The papers demonstrate the various ways that the constitution of the invertebrate fauna can change rapidly in response to environmental inputs such as chemicals and landscape management. Given these factors, invertebrates show enormous potential to be used as indicators of sustainability in agriculture. However, this potential remains to be realised. © CSIRO 2007.