Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of several methods of mulching degraded forest soil with wood chips on the development of mite (Acari) community, with particular emphasis to oribatid mites (Oribatida), and on the growth of young plantings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Mulching with wood chips should contribute to revitalize soil fauna and restore natural forests on degraded soils. Scots pine seedlings were planted at the post-military training ground. Four experimental treatments were tested: control—uncovered soil (C), mulching with wood chips (W), W + mycorrhiza preparation (WM), and W + forest litter (WL). At the end of the growing season in 2012, 2013 and 2014, the following plant measurements were carried out: length of annual increment of the main stem, stem base diameter, number and lengths of lateral shoots in the annual whorl. The mite calculations included average mite density, dominance index, species richness, oribatid mite diversity, average number of species, and Shannon general species diversity index. The use of mulching with wood chips did not significantly affect the growth characteristics of Scots pine plants, but strongly increased the mite community. After mulching, the total number and species diversity of Acari increased many times, and Oribatida began to dominate among micro-arthropods. The number of Oribatida increased most in W. The largest species diversity was observed in WL. 24 species of Oribatida were found that were used as the bio-indicators of soil succession changes. Tectocepheus velatus clearly dominated in all mulching treatments. Oppiella nova and Scutovertex sculptus were also numerous populations of Oribatida. The study shows that mulching with Scots pine wood chips, especially with the addition of forest litter, significantly enriches soil fauna and is therefore useful in the regeneration process of degenerated forest soils.
Highlights
According to the data of the Central Statistical Office [1], devastated and degraded land in Poland requiring reclamation and development occupies approximately 64 thousand hectares
The use of soil mulching with the Scots pine wood chips did not affect the growth characteristics of young Scots pine plants, but significantly improved the abundance and species diversity of mites in the substrate
Mulching treatments increased the number and species diversity of mites, especially oribatid mites, which began to dominate among micro-arthropods
Summary
According to the data of the Central Statistical Office [1], devastated and degraded land in Poland requiring reclamation and development occupies approximately 64 thousand hectares. The size of this area has changed only slightly in recent years. In Poland, as a result of the implementation of the reforestation program for rural areas, forest resources are constantly growing. These areas usually have poor soil, so they are most often reforested by Scots pine, which is currently the dominant forest-forming species, covering in 2017 as much as 58.2% of the forest area in our country [3]. Scots pine can grow in a wide range of environmental condition and tolerates even poor soils: “sandy, loamy, and soil containing shale and granite”. In the past, planting Scots pine in the climate zone in which Poland is located was not scientifically justified [2]
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