Impact of environmental factors on edaphic springtail populations

Abstract

A description is given of the abiotic and biotic factors that affect edaphic springtail distribution and the main role that collembola play in soil development. Collembola degrade organic matter that has been inoculated with microorganisms, which they control and disperse. They also help decompose recalcitrant molecules in ecosystems, release nitrogen, phosphorus and other elements into soils, and control phytopathogenic fungi in crops, as well as stimulate microbial respiration and serve as soil quality bioindicators. Water is the main factor that determines whether springtail populations are present, followed by temperature, which in turn controls whether new generations will occur. Enzyme metabolism and even DNA structure is affected by pH. Collembola populations are also affected by materials that enter the soil, including the leaf litter dropped by plant coverage, manures and soil fertilizers, and are regulated by the ascending forces in an ecosystem.