Collembolan communities in deciduous forests of different origin in Finland

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the collembolan communities in anthropogenous birch stands of different origin with each other and with natural forests at the same latitude. Nine sites were investigated: three birch stands ( Betula pendula) planted ca. 30 years prior to the study after clear-cutting of spruce stands, three birch stands planted ca. 30 years earlier on arable soil that had been under cultivation until reforestation, and three natural deciduous forests. These were sampled in August and October 1998, and microarthropods were extracted, counted and identified. Thirty years after reforestation, the collembolan communities of “Birch after Spruce” and “Birch after Field” differed significantly, but nevertheless, in comparison to some other soil faunal groups, were relatively similar to each other, and also to the communities of “Natural Deciduous” forests. Average population densities and species diversity were lowest in “Birch after Field”. The communities of deciduous forests, either natural or planted, were also relatively similar to those of coniferous forests at the same latitude. Past land-use history, organic matter content, soil structure and texture, acidity and water holding capacity were the most important factors in explaining the observed community structure.