@article{fdi:010094863,
  title = {{I}dentifying the sources of sediment using plant-based e{DNA} - a proof of principle analysis},
  author = {{F}rankl, {A}. and {T}ytgat, {B}. and {D}upin, {B}. and {N}audin, {A}. and {M}aeght, {J}ean-{L}uc and {C}ommelin, {M}. and {C}ammeraat, {E}. and {B}aartman, {J}. and {E}vrard, {O}livier and {V}erleyen, {E}. and {S}tokes, {A}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{P}urpose {U}nderstanding sediment origins is crucial for effective catchment management, especially given the strong influence of vegetation on geomorphological processes. {T}his study presents a proof of principle analysis investigating plant-based environmental {DNA} (e{DNA}) as a tool for tracing sediment sources. {T}wo contrasting catchments were selected: a lowland agricultural area with rotating crop cycles and a high mountain environment with semi-natural vegetation. {T}he approach aims to link sediment production to vegetation types to improve land degradation assessment and management strategies. {M}ethods e{DNA} was analysed using an amplicon sequencing approach targeting the plant species in soil samples from representative land cover types and river sediment from four flood events. {D}ata analysis included quantifying the e{DNA} concentration, identifying indicator species of plant communities, determining relative abundances and visualizing differences in community composition. {R}esults {T}he findings confirm that soils carry a distinct e{DNA} signature reflective of plant communities, even in degraded or eroded conditions. {O}ur results demonstrate that e{DNA} in eroded sediment from {S}olanum tuberosum {L}. (potato) fields in a lowland catchment was correctly identified and that at a high mountain environment, vegetation from heath and forest dominated the e{DNA} signal in sediment after flood events. {H}owever, the study also highlights important limitations associated mostly to sampling. {C}onclusion {P}lant-based e{DNA} shows promise for identifying sediment sources and providing ecological context. {H}owever, its effectiveness depends on factors such as e{DNA} persistence, source sampling, and sediment connectivity, rendering the method semi-quantitative. {F}urther research is needed to improve consistency and broader applicability.},
  keywords = {{A}mplicon sequencing ; {P}aleoecology ; {S}ed{DNA} ; {S}oil erosion ; {T}rn{L} ; {S}ediment fingerprinting},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{J}ournal of {S}oils and {S}ediments},
  volume = {[{E}arly access]},
  numero = {},
  pages = {[15 ]},
  ISSN = {1439-0108},
  year = {2025},
  DOI = {10.1007/s11368-025-04107-6},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010094863},
}