Using light stable isotopes to understand nutrient cycling in soils and how these isotopic techniques can be leveraged to investigate the ecology and biology of insects – A review

At first glance, there appears little to link nitrogen cycling with entomology other that the use of isotope techniques. Soil management requires a contextual, adaptive, flexible approach that is based on understanding the factors that regulate the soil’s fundamental processes. Using stable isotope techniques for the analysis of the inherent biogeochemical processes can explain the complex soil–plant interactions, the determining factors of the nitrogen cycle, and the impacts of applying external inputs. Using the same stable isotope tools enables an interdisciplinary collaboration between soil science and entomology. Emerging plant pests, for instance, non-native insect species, are a threat to the agroecosystems. The knowledge of the origin and movement of invasive insects by using the intrinsic stable isotope signatures embedded in the environment allows identification of entry pathways and thus the establishment of effective management strategies to reduce the potential crop damage. Moreover, the feeding and mating biology of insects can also be understood using isotope techniques. Finally, the movement of mosquitoes can be understood by isotopic labeling so that these dangerous disease vectors can be more effectively managed. This and further research has led to a fuller understanding of insect feeding ecology and leading neatly around to how insect nutrition impacts soil organic matter turnover.