A catena in northeast Brandenburg (Bölkendorf): Soil biota, root growth and soil structure

Abstract

Typical for the morainal landscape of NE‐Germany are catenas with pronounced gradients of abiotic factors, such as soil texture and organic matter content. For adequate management of these regions, their ecology must be better understood. In this context, the biological interactions in soil play an important role. The present study is based on the hypothesis that the gradients of abiotic factors across the catena are reflected in soil biota, i.e. earthworms and microarthropods, and root growth. Sampling was carried out at selected positions across the catenary sequence of Boelkendorf, Brandenburg, for earthworms, Collembola and roots in April 1994. The soil physical analysis comprised measurements of soil bulk density and penetration resistance. A positive correlation between earthworm abundance, numbers of Collembola and root growth at different catena positions was found. The top position especially, a calcaric regosol with low organic matter content, was markedly different with respect to soil biological and physical characteristics. High bulk densities and high soil resistance in the subsoil coincided with low earthworm densities, low microarthropod numbers and impeded rootability of the soil.