Differential impact of altitude and a plantain cultivation system on soil macroinvertebrates in the Colombian Coffee Region

Abstract

Macrofaunal composition in four plantain cropping systems in the municipalities of Armenia, Calarcá, and Circasia in Colombia was evaluated by measuring species richness, abundance, biomass, and variation in these parameters in relation to altitude and cropping system at 33 farms. The DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) model was used to evaluate the impacts of management practices on crops and their repercussions for edaphic fauna. Fourteen orders, three classes, and eight families of macrofauna were identified. The results indicate that type of cropping system influences the composition of edaphic communities, mainly through the altitudinal gradient. Fifteen species of earthworms were found, seven exotic and eight native. The greatest number of species (12) was found in systems consisting of plantains associated with coffee (AC), followed by the traditional system (TA) with 10, plantain trees (AA) with nine, and monoculture (MONO) with eight species, of which the most abundant was Pontoscolex corethrurus. In our findings, it was possible to differentiate plantain cultivation systems according to the type of management practice and the intensity and frequency of application of agrochemicals by farmers on farms. The DPSIR framework permitted differentiation among cropping systems, visualizing agroecosystems that tolerate the presence of accompanying vegetation. Variables that exert pressure and provide options for differentiating the systems were also identified. DPSIR facilitates the understanding of cropping systems and has great potential for use in agroecosystem planning in rural areas.