Soil Macrofauna Diversity and Litter Decomposition Rate in the Buffer Zone of Lore Lindu Biosphere Reserve Indonesia

Abstract

Conversion of forest to agricultural land (agroforestry and monoculture) has a negative impact on soil macrofauna diversity. Soil macrofauna have a key role in maintaining soil fertility through decomposition and supporting the productive capacity of ecosystems. This study aimed at determining the soil macrofauna diversity and the litter decomposition rate in agroforestry and monoculture and investigating the correlation between soil macrofauna diversity and litter decomposition rate. This study involved field and laboratory activities. Litter traps were installed for soil macrofauna observation, macrofauna identification was carried out in the laboratory, and litter bags were used for decomposition rate observation. Data analysis was conducted to determine species diversity and similarity of soil macrofauna on agroforestry and monoculture plantations. The calculation of the diversity index (H’) shows that complex agroforestry and simple agroforestry have moderate, while candlenut monoculture has low diversity of soil macrofauna. The similarity of soil macrofauna in these sites is low (similarity index below 50%). The decomposition rate of litter is relatively high (0.01 g/day). The correlation between species diversity and the decomposition rate of litter in complex agroforestry and candlenut monoculture is very strong. Meanwhile, in simple agroforestry, the correlation is relatively low.