Soil mite communities structure (Acari, Mesostigmata) during litter decomposition of seven tree species in pure Scots pine stands (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing on a reclaimed post‐industrial area

Abstract

AbstractOur knowledge about mites, including mesostigmatids, compared to their significant role in soil‐forming processes on post‐industrial areas, is currently insufficient. Therefore, our study aim was to analyze the succession of mesostigmatid communities in relation to litter decomposition of seven tree species [Acer pseudoplatanus L., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Fagus sylvatica L., Pinus sylvestris L., Prunus serotina Ehrh., Quercus rubra L., Robinia pseudoacacia L.] in pure Scots pine stands growing on a reclaimed spoil heap. In December 2011, 1439 litterbags were placed on plots and collected after ca. 3, 6, 9, 13, 19, 25, 31, 37 months since the experiment started. In total, we recorded 9653 mites classified into 67 taxa. The mesostigmatid abundance was affected by percentage initial litter mass loss. Interestingly, litter type shaped species richness and diversity, but not abundance. The highest abundance, almost two‐times higher compared to other tree species, was recorded in Prunus serotina litter (352.73 ± 105.22 ind.; calculated per 100 g of dry litter mass) and the lowest in Quercus rubra (81.23 ± 9.82 ind.). Furthermore, the lowest richness (2.39 ± 0.07; calculated per sample) and diversity (0.33 ± 0.02; calculated per sample) was recorded in Pinus sylvestris litter, therefore, our results are in contradiction to the home‐field advantage assumptions that the ‘home’ litter has a positive effect on soil fauna structure compared to the ‘foreign’ litter. Nevertheless, the greatest abundance share of Asca bicornis and Amblyseius tubae, the most numerous species, was recorded for Pinus sylvestris litter.