Successional changes and diversity of soil macrofaunal communities on chalk grasslands in Upper-Normandy (France)

Abstract

A study of soil macrofaunal communities was made along a secondary plant succession following sheep grazing abandonment in some chalk grasslands of Upper-Normandy (France). 78 taxonomic units were identified. Taxonomic richness was highest in the recently abandoned grassland. Each plot was characterised by its own specific taxonomic groups. The environmental factors which explained the major contrasts between soil macrofaunal communities were the extent of tree colonisation and litter characteristics (C:N, biomass). Successional changes induced major changes in functional groups of soil macrofauna i. e. endogeic species dominated under herbaceous vegetation while epigeic species were more important in woody plots.