Macro Invertebrate Diversity in Different Land Use System and Soil Fertility Status in Relation to Macro Invertebrate Distribution in Shashogo District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Invertebrate species are predominant in the food webs and among the ecosystem engineers associated with agriculture. They have a major influence on productivity and therefore play a key role in food security. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the ecological role of soil macro invertebrate diversity for maintenance of soil fertility in Shashogo District, Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia. Both field and laboratory work were applied during investigation of the study. Invertebrate’s diversity was identified and Soil samples were collected from different sites and evaluated for soil fertility status. The physico-chemical analysis; organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available K, soil pH, soil texture, sodium etc… was analyzed. The main soil macro invertebrates identified were Termites ( order Isoptera), Beetles (order Coleoptera), Wasps (Hymenoptera), Millipedes (order diplopoid), Centipedes (chilopoda), Ants (Hymenoptera) and Earthworm (order Opisthopora). The average selected chemical properties of the soil were Soil PH (5.60), Total Nitrogen (0.23), and Organic carbon (2.44), Phosphorus (2.63), Calcium (22.73), Potassium (0.376) and Sodium (0.096). There is significant association between soil macro invertebrate groups and selected soil physical and chemical properties. To conserve soil resources, it needs highest attention of policy makers as well as land use planners to concentrate their efforts on land management strategies based on land use system.