Abundance Of Oribatida Research Articles

Oribatid communities and heavy metal bioaccumulation in selected species associated with lichens in a heavily contaminated habitat.

The study examines oribatid communities and heavy metal bioaccumulation in selected species associated with different microhabitats of a post-smelting dump, i.e. three lichen species of Cladonia with various growth forms and the slag substrate. The abundance of oribatids collected from the substrate was significantly lower than observed in lichen thalli. The morphology and chemical properties of lichens, and to some extent varying concentrations of heavy metals in thalli, are probably responsible for significant differences in oribatid communities inhabiting different Cladonia species. Some oribatids demonstrate the ability to accumulate zinc and cadmium with unusual efficiency, whereas lead is the most effectively regulated element by all species. A positive correlation was found between Zn content in all studied oribatids and their microhabitats. Oribatids exploring different food resources, i.e. fungivorous and non-fungivorous grazers, show considerable differences in bioconcentrations of certain elements.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11356-016-6100-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Biological properties of extremely acidic cyanide-lacedmining waste.

With respect to acidic, cyanide-laced tailings, the data about in situ toxicity and biological activity in highly polluted environment are often lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the microbial characteristics, composition of oribatid mite species, and level of genotoxic impact on plants in the area of inactive tailings pond (Horná Ves, Kremnica region). Sampling of the tailings, soils and selected plant species was carried out in spring of 2012. Trace element analysis (inductively coupled plasma emission and mass spectrometry) showed that concentration of Pb, Zn, and Cu in the tailings is approximately in thousands of ppm (mgkg(-1)). Amount of lead exceeded 16,000mgkg(-1), which is perceived as the biggest threat with respect to possible toxicity. The risk is accentuated by extremely acidic pH of the tailings material which approached 2. In such conditions great mobility of (divalent) heavy metal cations is expected. The total cyanide concentration in the tailings was 472mgkg(-1). Results of performed tests and measurements suggest that microbial activity at the tailings site (and its close environment) is hampered markedly. In the sludge material we detected low abundance of soil bacteria (2.08×10(4) CFU) and predominance of slowly growing K-strategists. On the other hand, the content of microbial C in the sludge sample was not too low, considering its extreme acidity and high amount of risk elements. In the same sample, just one mite species, Oppiella (O.) uliginosa (Willmann 1919), was identified. Also in case of the dam site the abundance of mites was considerably lower in comparison to reference sample. Values of Oribatida abundance were in positive correlation with values of microbial biomass carbon. Results of the pollen grain abortivity test, applied in situ on chosen plant species, indicated substantial presence of genotoxicity in the environment. Total induction index of tailings pond reached 3.59(±2.4) which expresses also total load of locality, comparing to natural biotope. In case of the technogenic sediment, the value was more than three times higher.

Effects of Olive Mill Wastewater on Soil Microarthropods and Soil Chemistry in Two Different Cultivation Scenarios in Israel and Palestinian Territories

Although olive mill wastewater (OMW) is often applied onto soil and is known to be phytotoxic, its impact on soil fauna is still unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate how OMW spreading in olive orchards affects Oribatida and Collembola communities, physicochemical soil properties and their interdependency. For this, we treated plots in two study sites (Gilat, Bait Reema) with OMW. Among others, the sites differed in irrigation practice, soil type and climate. We observed that soil acidity and water repellency developed to a lower extent in Gilat than in Bait Reema. This may be explained by irrigation-induced dilution and leaching of OMW compounds in Gilat. In Bait Reema, OMW application suppressed emergence of Oribatida and induced a community shift, but the abundance of Collembola increased in OMW and water-treated plots. In Gilat, Oribatida abundance increased after OMW application. The effects of OMW application on soil biota result from an interaction between stimulation of biological activity and suppression of sensitive species by toxic compounds. Environmental and management conditions are relevant for the degree and persistence of the effects. Moreover, this study underlines the need for detailed research on the ecotoxicological effects of OMW at different application rates.

Localized Effects of Coarse Woody Material on Soil Oribatid Communities Diminish over 700 Years of Stand Development in Black-Spruce-Feathermoss Forests

In the black-spruce clay-belt region of Western Québec, soil nutrients are limited due to paludification. Under paludified conditions, nutrient subsidies from decomposing surface coarse woody material (CWM) may be important particularly during the later stages of ecosystem development when deadwood from senescent trees has accumulated. For soil organisms, CWM can alter microclimatic conditions and resource availability. We compared abundance and species richness of oribatid mites below or adjacent to CWM across a chronosequence which spans ca. 700 years of stand development. We hypothesized that oribatid abundance and richness would be greater under the logs, particularly in later stages of forest development when logs may act as localized sources of carbon and nutrients in the paludified substrate. However, oribatid density was lower directly under CWM than adjacent to CWM but these differences were attenuated with time. We suggest that oribatids may be affected by soil compaction and also that such microarthropods are most likely feeding on recently fallen leaf litter, which may be rendered inaccessible by the presence of overlying CWM. This may also explain the progressive decline in oribatid density and diversity with time, which are presumably caused by decreases in litter availability due to self-thinning and Sphagnum growth. This is also supported by changes of different oribatid trophic groups, as litter feeders maintain different numbers relative to CWM with time while more generalist fungi feeders only show differences related to position in the beginning of the succession.

Tillage and slurry over-fertilization affect oribatid mite communities in a semiarid Mediterranean environment

Fertilization with animal residues together with no-tillage is being widely used in dryland Mediterranean agriculture. The aim of this work is to assess the potential impacts of these combined management practices on oribatid mite species, and to evaluate their potential use as bioindicators of soil disturbances. From an experiment established ten years ago, eight fertilization treatments (including minerals or pig slurries), all combined with minimum tillage (MT) and no-tillage (NT), were studied. Four of these combinations were sampled three times during the winter cereal cropping season. The rest, and a neighbouring oak forest, were only sampled close to the end of the season (May). In total, 34 oribatid species and 4140 individuals were recovered. Oribatid abundance responded positively (p<0.05) to the reduction of tillage intensity (NT) and marginally (p<0.1) to slurry fertilization at sowing (close to maximum legislation allowed rate: <210kgNha−1yr−1). At this slurry rate, Shannon index of diversity varied through the season, and was higher in May in MT than in NT plots. The Berger–Parker index of abundance signals plots without slurries as the most disturbed (compared with the forest). Nitrogen slurry over-fertilization reduced abundance of Oribatula(Zygoribatula) connexa connexa , but the impact on the most relevant species depended on the tillage system: Epilohmannia cylindrica cylindrica dominated in MT plots; under NT it was balanced by Tectocepheus velatus sarekensis and Passalozetes (Passalozetes) africanus. Scutovertex sculptus is also very negatively affected by tillage. Oribatida are a good target for the biological indication of soil disturbances associated to agricultural management.

Intercropping trees’ effect on soil oribatid diversity in agro-ecosystems

The benefits of tree-based intercropping (TBI) compared to conventional agro-ecosystems in North America could include climate change mitigation and adaptation, although enhancing resilience to climate change through increasing soil diversity remains poorly explored. Diversity of soil microarthropods supports a series of ecological services that may be altered by soil desiccation due to climate change. Here we study the effect of red oak and hybrid poplar TBI on soil oribatid mite species assemblages associated to forage crops (mix of Timothy-grass and red clover). Abundance and species density of oribatids were affected by treatment, depth and the interaction of both variables. Abundance of oribatid mites was significantly lower in the oak TBI, showing a homogeneous vertical distribution in opposition to a decreasing with depth distribution under poplar TBI and conventional crops. Species density was significantly higher in the conventional crop, showing again significant differences in depth that were not present in both TBI treatments. Distance to tree did not affect mite abundance nor species density. TBI increased oribatid richness (obtained by sample-based rarefaction and extrapolation) only in the presence of oaks. The distribution of oribatids was strongly associated to tree fine root biomass and stress the importance of underground organic resources for the oribatid fauna and their ecological functions. If increasing drought associated with climate change desiccates superficial levels of agro-ecosystem soils, deeper sources of organic resources, such as tree roots, should become crucial in the maintenance of diverse microarthropod communities.

Struktur Komunitas Mesofauna Tanah dan Kapasitas Infiltrasi Air setelah diberi Perlakuan Biostarter Pengurai Bahan Organik

Research about the biostarter application on the biopori concept through parameter of soil mesofauna community structure and water infiltration capacity was aimed to investigate the effect of biostarter product on soil mesofauna community structure and water infiltration rate at Lubang Resapan Biopori (LRB) aged 30 days and 50 days, also the correlation between mesofauna community structure and soil infiltration capacity. This study uses a single factor completely randomized design, which has 5 treatments including control, EM4, Bioklin, Mig Dec, and Orgadec. The results showed that the addition of biostarter affects soil mesofauna community structure, particularly positive effect on the abundance of Oribatida and Mesostigmata. Products Orgadec was able to increase faster the abundance of mesofauna both at the age of LRB 30 days and 50 days, whereas Mig Dec and EM4 starting to show its influence on the LRB after 50 days. Infiltration rate LRB age of 30 days showed a significant difference in treatment of Orgadec only, whereas at the age of 50 days, the significant difference is indicated in the treatment EM4​​, Mig Dec and Orgadec. Based on the Spearman correlation test, the total number of individuals and number of Oribatida. Both showed significant positive correlation with the infiltration rate. Keywords: biostarter, community structure, soil mesofauna, infiltration rate, LR

Community structure of soil oribatida (acari) two years after windthrow in the high tatra mountains

In November 2004 a catastrophic windstorm destroyed a large part of the spruce forest in the Tatra National Park (Slovakia). The majority of the windthrown area was cleared; only a small part was left uncleared, thereby allowing regeneration by natural succession. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of the different forestry practices on soil Oribatida. Three different stands were selected for the study, where sampling took place in June and October 2006: control forest stands (REF), windthrown stands left for natural development (NEX) and clear-cut windthrown stands (EXT). The mean abundance of Oribatida recorded in REF and NEX stands was significantly higher than in EXT stands. Kruskal-Wallis test of mean abundance of adults as well as juveniles confirmed significant influence of treatment and date. The highest abundance of adults was found in control forest stands (REF). Post hoc multiple comparison proved significantly lower abundance of adults in clear-cut stands (EXT) compared with REF. The mean abundance of adults and juveniles was several times higher in stands left for natural development (NEX) than in EXT stands. The highest species richness was observed in REF, followed by NEX and EXT stands. Ordination method showed differences in species composition between studied treatments. Furthermore, a much lower abundance of Hermannia gibba, a dweller of leaf litter and upper soil layers, was recorded in cleared stands compared to the other stands. Indeed, windthrown stands had an obvious lower species richness than control stands. The ordination method used demonstrated a significant influence of both treatment and sampling date on the abundance and species richness of Oribatida. The present study showed that clear-cutting of wind-damaged spruce forest markedly decreases the abundance of soil Oribatida compared with windthrown forest stands left to natural succession.

Effects of fungicides and biofungicides on population density and community structure of soil oribatid mites

To compare the side-effects of chemical versus biofungicides on non-target organisms in agricultural soil, a study of population structure, spatial distribution and fecundity of oribatid mites, a diverse and species-rich group of microarthropods indicative of decomposer activity in soil was done. Plots laid out in agricultural fields of a research station in Egypt, were cultivated with cucumber and treated with two chemical fungicides: Ridomil Plus 50% wp (active ingredients=metalaxyl and copper oxychloride) and Dithane M-45 (active ingredient=mancozeb), and two biofungicides: Plant Guard (containing the antagonistic fungus Trichoderma harzianum) and Polyversum (containing the fungi-parasitic oomycete Pythium oligandrum). All treatments were done using both low-volume and high-volume spraying techniques to check whether any effects were dependent on the method of application. Oribatid mite communities were assessed from soil core samples collected during the growing season. Total abundance of oribatids was not different across the plots, but some species decreased in number, while one species increased. Species diversity and community equitability decreased with the application of chemical and biofungicides especially when using high-volume spraying. In control plots most oribatid species showed a significant degree of aggregation, which tended to decrease under fungicide treatment. Ridomil Plus, Plant Guard and Polyversum had a negative effect on the gravid/ungravid ratio of some species. Egg number averaged over the whole adult population was not directly related to the application of chemical and biofungicides but it showed a species-specific relationship with population density. In general biofungicides had a smaller effect on population size and community structure of oribatid mite species than chemical fungicides. The results indicate that biofungicides may be the preferred option when aiming to prevent side-effects on sensitive groups among the species-rich soil detritivore community.

The effect of clear-cutting and wildfire on soil Oribatida (Acari) in windthrown stands of the High Tatra Mountains (Slovakia)

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of clear-cutting and wildfire on soil Oribatida in spruce forest stands in the High Tatra Mts. (Slovakia), which were heavily damaged by windthrow in 2004. Additionally, a part of the clear-cut area was subsequently damaged by wildfire in 2005. The investigation was carried out in 2007 in following treatments: clear-cut stands (EXT), wildfire stands (FIR) and control spruce stands (REF). Significantly lower abundance of Oribatida was found in FIR and EXT compared to REF stands. REF stands had clearly higher total species richness followed by EXT and FIR stands (47, 34, 29 species, respectively). NMS ordination showed considerable differences in the composition of Oribatida communities between treatments. The abundance of dominant Hermannia gibba, Oppiella nova and Tectocepheus velatus velatus was significantly lower in EXT and FIR compared to REF stands. The abundances of surface living H. gibba and Liacarus corracinus were low in EXT stands, whereas in FIR stands, H. gibba was rare and L. coracinus was totally absent. On the other hand, Oribatula tibialis had higher abundance in FIR stands than in others. Our results show that clear-cutting and wildfire had a pronounced negative effect on the abundance and diversity of soil Oribatida in the spruce forest of the High Tatras three and two years after the disturbance, respectively.

Negative and matrix‐dependent effects of dispersal corridors in an experimental metacommunity

Negative effects of habitat fragmentation are well-known phenomena in ecology, and the use of corridors is one suggested remedy to ameliorate community disassembly. Most experiments of landscape structure, however, do not consider matrix quality and environmental conditions, despite their potential to affect both landscape permeability and population densities. For the first time in fragmented landscapes, we simultaneously investigated the effects of local disturbance, dispersal corridors, matrix quality, and environmental stress, as well as their interactions, on species richness and abundance. We used a natural micro-ecosystem of bryophyte patches with microarthropods as a model system. Contrary to expectations, there were no negative responses to fragmentation of large continuous habitats. Surprisingly, connecting fragmented patches with dispersal corridors had negative effects on the abundance and species richness of the most species-rich group, oribatid mites. It had also negative effects on the abundance of collembolans and predatory mites in landscapes with complex matrix, which was also generally detrimental. Environmental stress was detrimental for all taxa but interacted with matrix type for oribatid species richness and juvenile oribatid abundance. Our results indicate that interactions can strongly alter community responses to common explanatory factors such as fragmentation, disturbance, connectivity, and environmental quality. Future studies of metacommunity dynamics need to consider the potential for such interactions in order to produce robust predictions of spatially structured landscapes.

Significance of litter layer in enhancing mesofaunal abundance and microbial biomass nitrogen in sweet corn-white clover living mulch systems

Living mulch is a type of sustainable farming system that consists of cover crops planted either before or with a main crop; a living mulch is maintained as a living ground cover throughout the growing season of the main crop. Microbial biomass and abundance of mesofauna (microarthropods and enchytraeids) are important soil biological parameters in relation to soil function, plant productivity, and nutrient cycling; however, the effects of living mulch on these parameters are not fully understood. In this study we examined the effects of living mulch treatment with nitrogen fertilizer (0, 40, 160, or 200 kg ha−1) on the abundance of soil microarthropods (Oribatida, Mesostigmata, Prostigmata, and Collembola) and the effects of living mulch treatment on the dynamics of the soil biota (mesofauna, microarthropods, enchytraeids, and microbial biomass nitrogen) from spring to autumn. Our results showed that living mulch treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the grain weight of the main crop in both experiments. Generally, living mulch treatment had a positive effect on the abundance of mesofauna and microbial biomass nitrogen, despite pesticide usage. Nitrogen levels did not affect the number of microarthropods. The litter layer in living mulch significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced microbial biomass nitrogen and the abundance of Oribatida, Prostigmata, and Collembola. We conclude that living mulch enhances mesofaunal abundance and microbial biomass nitrogen and that the production of a litter layer by living mulch is one of the major mechanisms for this enhancement.

개간 및 답전윤환 인삼재배지에서 유기물처리에 따른 토양생물상 변화

인삼재배에서 논전환밭의 이용이 증가하는 추세이며, 개간밭과 더불어 유기물투입의 효과를 조사할 필요가 있다. 토양생물은 유기물의 분해에 영향을 미치는 중요한 요소이기 때문에 유기물 시용이 토양생태계에 미치는 영향을 조사했다. 유박과 퇴비를 개간밭과 논전환밭에 <TEX>$20Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX> 와 <TEX>$40Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX>로 투입하였다. 미생물상 변화는 인지 질지방산을 분석하여 검정하였고, 동물상의 변화는 미소동물의 개체밀도를 측정하였다. 미생물에 대한 PLFA 지수나 미소동물의 밀도는 개간밭보다 논전환밭에서 높았다. 개간밭에서는 유기물 투입에 의한 처리간 차이가 적었다. 논전환밭에서는 퇴비 <TEX>$40Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX> 처리구에서 날개응애 밀도가 증가하였고, 이들의 밀도는 곰팡이 PLFA와 양의 상관관계가 나타났다. 위의 결과는 개간밭에서 유기물 함량이나 토양생물의 밀도가 낮은 심토로 개간하면 유기물을 투입하여도 토양생물에 대한 효과가 적을 수 있다는 것을 보여준다. 논전환밭에서는 유기물에 대한 토양생물들의 반응이 다르며 토양의 물리화학성도 토양생태계에 영향을 미칠 수 있다. 논전환밭과 개간밭에서는 유기물에 대한 토양생물의 반응이 다르므로, 투입된 유기물의 분해나 이에 따른 양분의 순환이 다를 수 있기 때문에 두 토양에서 시비방법을 다르게 할 필요성이 있다고 생각된다. Cultivation of Korea ginseng in newly reclaimed and paddy-converted fields has been increasing, and evaluation of organic amendment effectiveness is needed in the two soil types. Soil organisms influence organic matter decomposition, and their responses to applications of organic matter were studied. De-oiled cake and compost were applied at <TEX>$20Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX> and <TEX>$40Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX> in both soil types. Changes in microflora were assessed by analyzing phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA). The abundance of nematodes and microarthropods was measured. Microbial PLFA indicators for microorganisms and microarthropod abundance were greater in reclaimed upland than in paddy-converted soil. There were few differences in the microflora and fauna of reclaimed uplands, regardless of treatment. In paddy-converted soil, the abundance of Oribatida was increased by the application of compost at <TEX>$20Mg\;ha^{-1}$</TEX> and was correlated with PLFA indicators of fungi. The results suggested a minimal influence of organic amendments in reclaimed upland, because the organic matter content and abundance of soil organisms are low in mineral soils. In paddy-converted soil, the effects of organic amendment differ among different soil organisms, and soil properties are important mediators of the effect.

Influence of phosphorus inputs and sheep treading on soil macrofauna and mesofauna in hill pastures

Earthworm abundance increased and Oribatida abundance decreased on a Brown soil with increasing inputs of phosphorus (P) fertiliser and sheep stocking rates. To determine if the same response to increasing management intensity is found in Allophanic soil, samples were collected from a long-term sheep-grazed trial with two contrasting management regimes, low and high intensity. As pastures on the Allophanic soil became more productive and were grazed with more sheep, there was a tendency for earthworm abundance to increase and oribatid abundance to decrease. Both these trends were consistent with those on the Brown soil, supporting the potential of earthworms and Oribatida as biological indicators. Oribatid mites, which produce nutrient rich faecal pellets, were positively correlated with porosity. The higher earthworm abundances in more intensive sheep grazed pastures may have a positive influence on ecosystem services such as air and water movement, and organic matter incorporation.

Responses of oribatid mites to tree girdling and nutrient addition in boreal coniferous forests

Tree girdling has been experimentally used to stop the allocation of carbohydrates from the canopy to tree roots and their associated ectomycorrhizal (EM) mycelia. We used three already established girdling experiments in northern Sweden, one in a Pinus sylvestris stand and two in Picea abies stands, to determine the effect of tree girdling on soil-living oribatid mites. These mites often feed on fungal hyphae, but it is not known to what extent they feed on EM or saprotrophic fungi. We hypothesised that a presumed decline in EM fungi after girdling would strongly reduce EM-feeding specialists and, correspondingly, reduce total abundance and species richness of oribatids in girdled plots. Tree girdling resulted in a significant decline in total abundance of oribatid mites in the two spruce stands, which was assumed to be linked to the decline in EM fungi, but not in the pine stand. Species richness decreased in girdled plots in one of the spruce forests. The decline in total abundance in girdled spruce stands was primarily dependent on a significant and consistent population decrease in Oppiella nova, which was the most abundant oribatid mite in the ungirdled spruce plots. Its abundance after girdling was only 8–18% of that in ungirdled spruce plots. In the pine stand, O. nova had much lower abundance than in the spruce stands, and despite a tendency to decline in number after girdling also in the pine stand, it had a minor effect on total abundance. These results suggest that O. nova may be dependent on EM fungi in spruce forest soils, whereas the dependence on EM fungi in pine forest soils is less evident.

Response of forest soil Acari to prescribed fire following stand structure manipulation in the southern Cascade RangeThis article is one of a selection of papers from the Special Forum on Ecological Studies in Interior Ponderosa Pine — First Findings from Blacks Mountain Interdisciplinary Research.

We studied responses of Acari, especially oribatid mites, to prescribed low-intensity fire in an east side pine site in the southern Cascade Range in California. We compared oribatid population and assemblage responses to prescribed fire in stands that had been selectively logged to enhance old growth characteristics, in logged stands to minimize old growth characteristics, and in undisturbed forest reference stands. Low-intensity prescribed fire altered habitat characteristics within the organic layer of forest soil. Acarine populations declined following prescribed fire, and oribatid losses accounted for two thirds of that decline. Individual oribatid species responded differently to prescribed fire, with a few populations increasing after fire but most declining. The prescribed fire also altered oribatid assemblages, reducing species richness and species diversity and modifying assemblage dominance relationships. We also identified several oribatid taxa that were potential indicator species of fire effects upon forest soil fauna. Finally, our results suggested that oribatid responses to fire were intensified by stand alteration and especially by removal of old growth structural characteristics. Decline in oribatid abundance, species richness and diversity, and loss of equilibrium dominance relationships was greatest in the low structural diversity plots.

Long-term succession of oribatid mites after conversion of croplands to grasslands

The paper deals with the long-term development (55 years) of oribatid communities (Acari) during grassland succession following the conversion of arable fields. The study was carried out on a chronosequence of temperate grassland sites in the Lahn-Dill-Bergland (Central Hesse, Germany). The “space-for-time” substitution method was applied. Increasing abundance at early stages of the conversion process (until the age of 13–28 years) points to release from the stress exerted by arable management. Saturation of abundance and richness indicates strong limiting forces acting upon the oribatid community at intermediate and late stages of succession. The continuous increase in the dominance of surface-dwelling and non-specialized species suggests a considerable change in the nature of these limiting forces during the successional process. General Regression Model (GRM) analysis revealed an increasing impact of external factors on the oribatid community during grassland succession, and a shift in the major driving forces determining oribatid abundance from soil conditions to vegetation conditions and then to a combined effect of both soil and vegetation conditions.

Oribatid mite diversity and community dynamics in a spruce chronosequence

A comparative study on oribatid mite communities was carried out at four sites forming a chronosequence of spruce forest stands (stand age: 5, 25, 45 and 95-years; Tharandter Wald, Germany). A total of 70 species was found. The moderate decline of oribatid species richness at the 5-years-old stand together with a strong deviation from the log-series model indicate that the community had not recovered from initial disturbance after 5 years. Close community similarity between the 5 and the 95-years-old stands nevertheless suggests a delayed response of the oribatid fauna to strong changes in environmental conditions. Species richness significantly increased from 5 to 25-years-old stand. This was accompanied by a strong increase of oribatid abundance that was largely due to the increase of only two species: Oppiella nova and Tectocepheus velatus. Particularly strong deviation from the log-series model at this site suggests that community disturbance becomes most intense at intermediate stages of forest development. Further analyses revealed an alteration of the feeding structure as well as a stimulation of species that either prefer or are at least able to colonize deeper layers of the soil profile in the 25-years-old stand. This indicates marked changes in both nutritional conditions and microclimate in the uppermost horizons 25 years after clear-cutting. A very high C mineralization rate measured in the 5-years-old stand confirms the important contribution of decomposition processes to net ecosystem production in young stands. However, no strong correlation between oribatid mite community variance and environmental conditions could be established by means of a canonical correspondence analysis. It is concluded that oribatid mite communities are a fairly conservative element of the decomposer fauna in temperate spruce forests and might thus be an important component in the decomposer systems buffering mechanisms against strong environmental change. Our data indicate a multifaceted reaction of the oribatid community to long lasting changes in site conditions rather than a straightforward response to certain environmental factors.

EFFECTS OF HABITAT COMPLEXITY AND COMPOSITION ON A DIVERSE LITTER MICROARTHROPOD ASSEMBLAGE

Oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatidae) are the most diverse arthropod group in forest litter and soil, and they make significant contributions to decomposition as microbial grazers and saprophages. As is true for all the hyperdiverse soil taxa, the determinants of their diversity and species composition are virtually unexplored. This experiment tests whether heterogeneity of the litter habitat is a determinant of their local diversity, and whether litter composition is a determinant of their species composition. At a single site of temperate deciduous forest at the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory in the mountains of North Carolina, USA, natural litterfall was excluded from a series of 42 1-m2 plots and, for three consecutive years, replaced with treatment litters that varied in their composition and complexity. Plots of pure yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), and red oak (Quercus rubra) litter comprised the monotypic or simple litter treatments. Two complex litters included a mixture of these three litter species and a mixture of seven litter species with pieces of small woody debris. Monotypic litters developed profiles of reduced thickness that contained lower numbers of invading roots and less humic and arthropod fecal material. Over 3 yr, oribatid abundance and richness declined substantially and to a similar degree in all simple litter treatments, though the dominant species, Oppiella nova, was unaffected by litter simplification. Similarity of species composition increased markedly among replicates within each litter treatment for two sectors of the assemblage: the large, litter-dwelling species and the endophagous and wood-associated species. Species composition among small litter-dwellers was unresponsive to litter type. Several characteristics of monotypic-litter habitats potentially contributed to the erosion of the oribatid assemblage. Loss of structure in monotypic litter likely led to reduced and less hospitable physical living space. It appeared to reduce recruitment of roots and retention of humic and fecal material in the litter layer. Each monotypic litter contained only a subset of the structural microhabitats that serve as refugia for eggs and juveniles. Finally, the synchronized decomposition of uniform substrates could have led to a “boom–bust” economy in microbial resources that was unfavorable to oribatid mites and their conservative life histories.