Abstract
The goal of this work was to evaluate the response of edaphic macrofauna, soil microbial biomass carbon, soil basal respiration, metabolic quotient and labile carbon of fumigated soil in a Fluvic Neosol. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with five treatments (four green manure mix and one control) and four replications, and subsequent planting of melon (Cucumis melo L.) under semi-arid conditions in Juazeiro, Bahia State, Brazil, from August 2006 to August 2007. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-10 cm at 6 days before, and 117; 215 and 354 days after green manure mix planting. The results indicate that none of the attributes presented a significant difference for the treatments, but changed significantly in relation to the time of sample collection. The higher levels of soil microbial biomass carbon and labile carbon of fumigated soil were measured 117 days after planting. Soil microbial biomass carbon was inversely correlated with soil basal respiration and metabolic quotient, which increased as of 215 days after planting. At 354 days after planting, the edaphic macrofauna presented the highest density, richness, diversity and uniformity. Ants and beetles were most abundant in the areas studied.
Highlights
Studies regarding the edaphic bioindicators in Brazilian semi-arid conditions are still quite scarce, a reflection of the great lack of interest in tropical dry forests, even though they are considered to be one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet (JANZEN, 1997)
In an area of the experimental field of the State University of Bahia located in the municipality of Juazeiro, Bahia State, Brazil, were evaluated edaphic macrofauna, soil microbial biomass carbon, soil basal respiration, metabolic quotient and labile carbon of fumigated soil, from August 2006 to August 2007, in soil subjected to the succession of a green manure mix by melon
The results indicate that soil microbial biomass, soil basal respiration, metabolic quotient, labile carbon of fumigated soil, density, richness, diversity and uniformity of the edaphic macrofauna did not show significant differences for the treatments using green manure mix, but differed significantly with the time of sample collection (TAB. 1)
Summary
Studies regarding the edaphic bioindicators in Brazilian semi-arid conditions are still quite scarce, a reflection of the great lack of interest in tropical dry forests, even though they are considered to be one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet (JANZEN, 1997). This biome is characterized by high temperatures and rate of evaporation, poorly distributed rainfall, shallow soils and intense surface runoff (ALMEIDA-CORTEZ et al, 2007). It is important to adopt management practices that help in the improvement of soil quality, such as organic fertilization, mulching, crop rotation, intercropping and green manure crops for the chemical, physical and biological improvement of the soil conditions
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