TERN Ecosystem Surveillance: Soil Metagenomic Sample 

This dataset comprises a comprehensive archive of soil metagenomic samples collected from TERN Ecosystem Surveillance monitoring plots across Australia. In addition to the nine subsite locations across the 1-hectare monitoring plot, soil metagenomic samples are collected from the top layer of soil. These samples can support microbial DNA analysis, including assessments of soil biodiversity, microbial function and ecological responses to environmental change. Each of the nine subsites are selected to represent the variation in micro habitats across the monitoring plot. Collected following the standardised Ecosystem Surveillance methodology, the dataset includes over 10,400 soil metagenomic samples archived in the TERN Australia Soil and Herbarium Collection, located at the University of Adelaide's Waite Campus. Soil metagenomic samples are preserved under climate-controlled conditions to maintain DNA integrity for future molecular analysis. These samples are openly available to researchers and support a broad range of ecological, agricultural, and microbiological studies. Each record includes detailed metadata such as voucher barcode, site and visit information and sampling details. Soil subsite samples are accessible and available for loan upon request through the EcoPlots Samples portal via an Expression of Interest. 

We at TERN acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Australia, New Zealand and all nations. We honour their profound connections to land, water, biodiversity and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Datasets funded by TERN include the following statement “This work was jointly funded by the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), an Australian Government National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) project. 

TERN Ecosystem Surveillance is a national plot-based field monitoring program that tracks the direction and magnitude of change across Australia’s major biomes. Information on soils and vegetation is collected according to standardised, widely endorsed and consistent protocols across all plots, and includes the collection of soil and vegetation samples and specimens for subsequent analysis. TERN soil metagenomic samples are collected from across the TERN Australia network of 960 monitoring sites nationally, with 410 plot revisits. Metagenomics is the study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples. Soil metagenomics provides the opportunity to understand what organisms are present at the TERN Ecosystem Surveillance monitoring plots and provides an indication of their abundance. Large-scale, standardised data on soil microbiota across Australia remains limited, TERN Ecosystem Surveillance contributes to addressing this gap by collecting soil metagenomic samples to support DNA-based analysis. Within each 1-hectare monitoring plot, soil metagenomic samples are collected from nine systematically distributed locations. This sampling design captures variability in vegetation cover and landscape position, ensuring the samples represent the spatial heterogeneity of the site. The samples collected are a once-off snapshot in time. Please be considerate of requesting large quantities and only request what is recommended for particular analyses. Generally, the quantities allowable for loan are selectable from the following categories (<0.5g, 1-3g, 4-10g). The quantity required for loan will depend on the type of analysis required. The TERN soil metagenomic samples are all archived in the TERN Australia Soil and Herbarium Collection. 

Soil metagenomic samples are collected from the top layer of soil at each of the nine subsites within each plot. The soil metagenomic samples are collected immediately before the soil subsite samples are taken. The nine subsites are located to cover the variety of micro habitats within the monitoring plot, ideal for both soil metagenomic samples and soil subsite samples. Approximately 200 g of the soil surface layer (max 3 cm depth) of each of the nine subsites are collected and placed in a calico bag, which was then stored within a sealed bag containing silica gel. The silica gel is monitored and replaced as necessary. The samples are kept in the cool room of the TERN Australia Soil and Herbarium Collection at 17 ^oC. For detailed methods on soil metagenomic sample collection, refer to the AusPlots Rangelands Survey Protocols Manual.