Soil Macrofauna Research Articles

Abundance and diversity of soil invertebrate macro-fauna in different land uses at Shenkolla watershed, South Central Ethiopia

BackgroundLand use can exert a strong influence on the abundance, diversity, and community composition of soil macro-fauna. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of four land use types on the abundance and diversity of soil invertebrate macro-fauna communities. These land uses include forest land, grazing land, crop cultivated outfields, and homestead garden fields present at Shenkolla watershed, south central Ethiopia. Monolith sampling of soil macro-fauna was done according to the standard of Tropical Soils Biology and Fertility Institute (TSBF) procedure. Five sampling points were chosen in each land use type and small monolith (25 × 25 × 30 cm) was dug out at 5-m interval along a transect with randomly positioned starting point, but perpendiculars to the slope. A total of 20 monoliths (4 treatments × 5 replications) were taken across all the land use types. Sampling of SIMF was carried out in April 2019 where soil macro-faunas are known to be more active. To evaluate the SIMF community eight parameters were measured: Shannon-Wiener index, Simpson diversity index, Pielou’s measure of evenness, Margalef’s diversity index, the Number of Occurrence Index, Relative abundance, Density (individuals per square meter) of each taxon and density of all SIMF and Bray-Curtis similarity index. The data were further analyzed using ANOVA and a general linear model to determine the variation and the influence of land use type, respectively.ResultsIn general, 332 individuals, 10 orders, 12 families, and 15 species were identified, from the collected samples. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) among the four land use types for SIMF except wireworm, spiders, and millipedes. Overall abundance and diversity were lowest in the crop cultivated outfields and highest in homestead garden fields and forest land. Bray-Curtis’ similarity was highest between the sampled sites s16 and s19 with in the forest land, and lowest (2%) between sites s1 (crop cultivated out fields) and s14 (homestead garden fields).ConclusionThe results revealed that the diversity of SIMF was positively influenced by forest land and homestead garden fields and negatively influenced in grazing land and cultivated outfields. Therefore, maintenance of a continuous litter cover at the surface and application of a wide range of organic fertilizers (farmyard manure, household refuse, and compost) is very much critical to prevent the decrease in diversity of SIMF.

Land use change, but not soil macrofauna, affects soil aggregates and aggregate-associated C content in central highlands of Kenya

Though land use change has been shown to have great influence on soil structure and C storage, little is still known how these effects change over the long term, especially in Africa. Thus, a study was conducted in central highlands of Kenya to evaluate changes in soil aggregates and aggregate-associated C content across four land use types. The four land use types included (1) an undisturbed bush land, (2) over 50 years old grazed pasture, (3) over 80 years old coffee plantation, and (4) a maize field cultivated continuously for 3 years. It was hypothesized that soil aggregates and aggregate-associated C would decrease with increasing soil disturbance caused by tillage or exerted by livestock hooves, with the magnitude of these effects being reduced by abundance of earthworms and termites. Land use type significantly affected soil aggregates especially, large macroaggregates and microaggregates. The weight of large macroaggregates in bush land (14.4 g 100 g−1 soil) was more than 20 times higher than in maize field (0.6 g 100 g−1). On the contrary, the weight of microaggregates in maize field (41.2 g 100 g−1) was more than double that recorded in bush land (18.8 g 100 g−1). Aggregate-associated C showed magnitude of differences similar to those of soil aggregates. However, the abundance of earthworms and termites generally showed weak or no correlation with soil aggregate fractions and aggregate-associated C. Our results shows that land use change can significantly influence soil aggregation and C content, which could have far-reaching implications for the long term C sequestration.

Macrofauna do solo em área de vegetação espontânea em pomar de jurubeba Solanum paniculatum L. (Solanaceae)

RESUMO: A fauna do solo tem um avultoso papel no ajustamento dos sistemas agrícolas. Desde os anos de 1980 tem sido desenvolvidos estudos no Brasil como um indício de desenvolvimento sustentável do manejo dos solos. Tem uma grande atuação nos processos de decomposição, mineralização e humificação de resíduos orgânicos; imobilização e mobilização de macro e micronutrientes. O objetivo foi comparar a população da macrofauna do solo em uma área com vegetação espontânea de jurubeba usando diferentes tipos de armadilhas. Este levantamento foi realizado na sede do Polo Tecnológico Agroalimentar de Arapiraca-AL, com uma área de 240 m² usando armadilha pitfall e armadilha TSBF, em uma área de plantação espontânea de jurubeba (Solanum paniculatum L.). Na armadilha TSBF foram usadas quatro parcelas para contagem da macrofauna com as seguintes profundidades: de 0–5, 5-10, 10-15 e 15–20 cm de profundidade. Na pitfall foram instaladas cinco armadilhas no solo que permaneceram durante cinco dias. Os grupos taxonômicos foram identificados em ordem decrescente de densidade relativa em nível de ordem e família. Portanto, pode-se observar de modo geral que as ordens de maior destaque em relação a todas as categorias foram Himenópteras (75%) e Coleópteras (58%), já as famílias que tiveram maior quantidade foram Formicidae com 176 e Gryllidae com 17.&#x0D; PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Diversidade, Fauna edáfica, Maneio do solo.

Effects of improved pigeonpea fallows on biological and physical soil properties and their relationship with maize yield

Declining soil properties have triggered lower maize yields among smallholder famers in South Africa. Legume trees such as pigeonpea can be used as improved fallows to replenish degraded soils. The objectives of the study were to: (1) examine the effects of improved pigeonpea fallows on enhancing biological, physical soil properties and maize yield responses and (2), analyze the relationship of maize grain yield to biological and physical soil properties after improved pigeonpea fallows at Wartburg, South Africa. Pigeonpea fallows were established in 2015/16 season and terminated in 2017 and subsequently maize was planted. A randomized complete block design replicated three times was used with five treatments: continuous sole maize without fertilizer (T1), natural fallow then maize (T2), pigeonpea + grass—pigeonpea then maize (T3), maize + pigeonpea—pigeonpea then maize (T4), two-year pigeonpea fallow then maize (T5). Improved pigeonpea fallows increased maize yields through improvement in soil macrofauna species abundance, richness and diversity, aggregate stability, infiltration rate. Pigeonpea fallows increased maize yield by 3.2 times than continuous maize without fertilizer. The maize grain yield (3787 kg ha−1), was the highest on two-year pigeonpea fallows while continuous maize without fertilizer had the least (993 kg ha−1). There was a significant positive correlation between soil macrofauna indices and physical soil properties to maize yields. Smallholders who have limited access to fertilizers can sustainably use improved fallows to restore degraded soils to achieve higher maize yields in South Africa.

Changes in soil macrofaunal communities along soil age gradient under centuries of cultivation after coastal reclamation

Reclamation is a traditional method used to create new land from coastal wetlands for releasing pressures from human social development. Knowledge on the biological succession and mechanisms along soil development is important for enhancing biodiversity conservation after wetlands converted to lands. In this study, a 500-year soil chronosequence was identified at the coastal area of the Yellow Sea, China. The soil properties, soil macrofaunal communities and their relationships were studied in croplands (soil aged 35, 55, 100, 200, 300, and 500 years) on the reclaimed coastal area. Soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus increased significantly along the soil age gradient, whereas soil soluble salinity (SSS) and pH decreased, while bulk density, water content, and the carbon-nitrogen ratio fluctuated. SSS, pH, and TN were the main factors indicating the soil ages. Changes in macrofaunal communities closely associated with soil age by logarithmic regression. No significant differences were detected in macrofaunal communities’ comparisons of 55-year vs. 100-year, and 300-year vs. 500-year croplands. The functional composition varied significantly with the variations of the soil properties. Soil macrofaunal succession was mainly driven by changes of soil nutrient status. The higher biodiversity and more complex communities can be expected along the soil age gradient. SOC was distinguished as the main factor among the soil properties associating with the succession of soil macrofaunal communities. The long-term changes in macrofaunal communities were comprehensive responses to the variations of soil properties under centuries of cultivation after coastal reclamation.

Mineral Fertilizers Influence the Macrofauna of Soils Under Cocoa Trees in the South-Western Côte d’Ivoire

A study on mineral fertilization of soils was carried out for two years in three cocoa farms in the Nawa region of south-western C&amp;ocirc;te d&amp;rsquo;Ivoire. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mineral fertilizers on soil macrofauna. The experimental design was Fisher block with four treatment with three repetitions. The treatments were control without fertilizer (T0), NPK 0-23-19 fertilizer (T1), NPK 0-15-15 + 17 CaO + 5 MgO + 1 B2O3 + 0.5 Zn (T2) and NPK 4-10-10 + 19 CaO + 4 MgO + 0.8 B2O3 + 0.3 Zn (T3). Twelve soil monoliths were made per treatment and per site, to count the macrofauna of the soil. Each soil monolith was subdivided into three strata 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm. The organisms were counted and classified into functional groups. The abundance, species richness and diversity indices of Shannon-weaver and Pi&amp;eacute;lou were determined. The analysis of variance of the numbers of individuals in the macrofauna did not show a significant difference between the treatments on different strata of the monoliths during the second year of the trial. However, during the first year, all the treatments with fertilizer in the 0-10 cm stratum had a more abundant macrofauna than that of the control without fertilizer at Soubr&amp;eacute; and Mayo. Multivariate analyses (AFC) showed links between functional groups of organisms and treatments. Myriapods and earthworms were linked to the T2 and T3 treatments, microarthropods to T1 and other organisms to T0. As for macrofauna diversity, the highest value of species richness (7 species), Shannon-weaver (2) and Pi&amp;eacute;lou (1) indices were found in the fertilized treatments. Mineral fertilizers thus presented better conditions for the expansion of macrofauna. A reasoned application of mineral fertilizers creates a favourable living environment for certain soil organisms.

The commercial tree species Dipteryx odorata improves soil physical and biological attributes in abandoned pastures

In the Eastern Amazon, abandoned and unproductive areas are widespread and normally found as a result of soil degradation. In this study we presented the following scientific question: Is it possible to improve the quality of soil physical and biological attributes of areas previously occupied by abandoned pastures with commercial plantation of the native species Dipteryx odorata? To respond this question, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of D. odorata plantations after abandoned pastures on the soil physical and biological attributes, using the soil from a successional forest in the municipality of Óbidos, Eastern Amazon, Brazil, as a reference. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from depths 0–10, 10–20, and 20–40 cm to determine organic matter content, bulk density, macro-, micro-, and total porosity. Soil macrofauna was collected at depth 0–10 cm and visual evaluation of soil structure was also conducted. The plantation accumulated organic matter and presented higher density of the macrofauna orders Haplotaxida and Blattodea, suborder Isoptera, and promoted better soil structural quality. Results were similar to those of the reference forest and higher than those of abandoned pastures. The D. odorata plantation was therefore an effective alternative for forest recovery of degraded areas in the region.

The state of soil macrofauna in pine and spruce forests of middle taiga zone during reduction of pulp and paper industry emissions (Komi Republic)

The state of soil macrofauna in pine and spruce forests of middle taiga zone during reduction of pulp and paper industry emissions (Komi Republic)

Systematic Structure, Ecology and Economical Meaning of Soil Macrofauna of Zarafshan Valley’s Orchards

Systematic Structure, Ecology and Economical Meaning of Soil Macrofauna of Zarafshan Valley’s Orchards

Екоморфічний підхід оцінки біорізноманіття угруповань ґрунтової макрофауни міських парків

An ecomorph reveals the relationship between organisms and the environment and reflects the level of their adaptation to the most important elements of the biogeocenosis. The eco-morphic approach to the analysis of ecological systems is a component of the concept of ecomorphic matrices. The ecomorphic matrices consist of blocks comprising the synecological properties of the soil animal community, each reflecting a particular aspect of its ecological features. The systemic combination of these characteristics is able to provide a comprehensive reflection of the diversity and functional state of the community. As a result of research on the territory of green areas in the city of Dnieper and Melitopol revealed 53 species or taxon species level representatives of soil macrofauna of the 48 genera and 32 families, 13 orders, 7 classes and 3 types. The article presents the biological and ecological characteristics of macrofauna species. Analysis of the ecomorphic structure of communities of soil macrofauna showed that in the cenomorphic structure prevail syl-vants, which represent 44.2% of the species richness of the community. Differences between com-munities Melitopol and Dnieper on cenomorphic structure statistically not reliable. Saprophages and predators prevail in trophic structure of soil macrofauna communities. Topomorphic structure of communities is dominated by epigeic forms (65.4%) and considerably exceeded by endogean forms (32.7%) Only one species represents burrowing soil animals – D. nassonovi. The community is dominated by mesophiles, which is typical for forest cenoses. Megatrophocenomorphs predomi-nate in the trophocenomorphic structure of the community. Aerophiles (48.1%) and subaerophiles (34.6%) predominate in the communities. The dominance of aeromorphs sensitive to the provision of air for breathing, indicates a satisfactory air regime in the soil green areas of public use. Carbon-atophiles are most represented in the community. Communities of soil macrofauna of public green spaces has features of amphicenosis, in which steppe and meadow components are significantly represented against the background of predominance of forest component. Tree plantations in a city park form a common forest environment, although they do not form a stable forest monocenosis. Recreation and other forms of anthropogenic influence do not allow the formation of a forest mono-cenosis or pseudomonocenosis. The trophic aspect of the structure deciphers the importance in the community of the cenotic components. The trophic structure of sylvants repeats the trophic structure of the community as a whole and this allows us to consider sylvants as the functional basis of the soil fauna community. Phytophages prevail among sylvanians, which fully corresponds to typical trophic structure of steppe zonal communities. This peculiarity taking into account proportional representation of zoophages and saprophages allows to estimate as functionally stable structure of the steppe community.

Understory and Soil Macrofauna Diversity under the Three Young Native Species and Acacia crassicarpa in a Drained Peatland of Pelalawan-Riau, Indonesia

Most studies mentioned that Acacia crassicarpa belongs to invasive species that could threat the native biodiversity. To respond that issue, we conducted a study that covers the understory and soil macrofauna diversity of three native tree species, namely mahang (Macaranga pruinosa), skubung (Macaranga gigantea) and geronggang (Cratoxylum arborescens) and an exotic species namely krassikarpa in a drained peatland in Pelalawan, Riau. The observation of understory vegetation under each studied species was undertaken by using 2 x 1 m plots. Furthermore, the structure of macrofauna was observed by pitfall trap methods. Results revealed that there were two fern species namely Neprolephis biserrata and Stenochlaena palustris that dominated the understory vegetation in namely mahang (Macaranga pruinosa), skubung (Macaranga gigantea) and geronggang (Cratoxylum arborescens). The diversity index in vegetation structure among those four tree species was insignificantly varied. Moreover, the percentage of understory coverage under A. crassicarpa was significantly higher than that under all native tree species. On the other hand, Formicidae and Rhinotermitidae were dominant in skubung and krassikarpa. Meanwhile, Formicidae and Blattidae were high in mahang and geronggang. Furthermore, diversity index of macrofauna were significantly low at krassikarpas`s understory compare to other three native species. This study suggested that the introduction of krassikarpa affect the biodiversity.

Assessing the determinants of soil fertility in cocoa-based (Theobroma cacao) agroforestry systems in the Littoral region of Cameroon

Soil fertility decline is a reality across the globe. Soil infertility has led to falling crop yields for both food and cash crops precipitating both poverty and food insecurity. Poor agricultural practices have often been blamed for declining levels of soil fertility. It was within this framework that this study was carried out to assess soil fertility levels in cocoa-based agroforestry systems in the Littoral region of Cameroon. Through the use of a mixed research approach and descriptive and inferential statistical analysis it was found that the most perceived indicators of soil fertility by cocoa farmers in cocoa-based agroforestry systems were cocoa yields (100%), soil colour (90%), indicator plant species (75%), presence of soil macro-organisms (80%), indicator weed species (65%), growth rate/vigour of the cocoa plant (70%), and level of compaction of the soil (50%). Chi-square test statistic (X2 = 15.92, p&lt;0.05) revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in cocoa farmers’ perceptions of soil fertility indicators in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Most cocoa farmers perceived the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems to be between average (29%) and low (43%). Very few cocoa farmers perceived that soil fertility level in cocoa-based agroforestry systems was very high (5.3%). Chi-square test statistic (X2 = 38.42, p&lt;0.05), revealed the existence of a statistically significant difference in cocoa farmers’ perception of the level of soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Correlation and regression analyses showed the existence of a direct and inverse non-causal and causal relationship respectively between several explanatory variables and soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. It was noticed that explanatory variables such as fertilizer/manure application, diversity of tree species in the cocoa agroforests, diversity of soil macro-fauna in the cocoa agroforests, and density of soil macro-fauna in the cocoa agroforests, all had a statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) direct non-causal and causal relationship with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. Meanwhile, explanatory variables such as age of the cocoa farm, density of cocoa plants in the cocoa agroforests, and application of agrochemicals in the cocoa agroforests, all had a statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) non-causal and causal relationship with soil fertility in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. It is therefore recommended that there should be more organic fertilizer/manure application, more diversity of tree species in the cocoa agroforests, and measures to ensure the diversity and density of soil macro-fauna in cocoa-based agroforestry systems.

Cocoa Farmers’ Perceptions of the Role Played by Tree Diversity and Density on Soil Macro-Fauna Diversity and Density in Cocoa-Based (Theobroma cacao) Agroforestry Systems in Cameroon

Tree diversity and density in agroforestry systems has been found to increase the diversity and density of soil macro-fauna. However, very little is known of the relationship between tree diversity and density in cocoa agroforests and soil macro-fauna diversity and density. This study was therefore undertaken to fill this knowledge gap. A mixed research approach was adopted and data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. From the findings, most cocoa farmers perceived that tree diversity in cocoa agroforests was either average, high or very high. Most cocoa farmers perceived that tree density on its part was either average or low. Concerning soil macro-fauna diversity in cocoa-based agroforestry systems, most of the cocoa farmers perceived that soil macro-fauna diversity was either average or high. For soil macro-fauna density in cocoa agroforests, most cocoa farmers perceived that soil macro-fauna density was either average, high or low. Through correlation and regression analyses, it was found that a statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) direct non-cause-effect and cause-effect relationship existed between the level of tree diversity and density in cocoa-based agroforestry systems (very high tree diversity, high tree diversity, average tree diversity, low tree diversity, very low tree diversity), and the level of soil macro-fauna diversity and density. This implies that increasing tree species diversity and density leads to increasing soil macro-fauna diversity and density in cocoa-based agroforestry systems. It is therefore recommended that policy makers take drastic measures to ensure greater tree diversity and density in cocoa agroforests in order to ensure higher soil macro-fauna diversity and density.

Effect of Vermicompost and Isopod (Porcellio laevis) Fertilizers on The Emergence and Seedling Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata cv. Wismar)

A great number of insects play an essential role in stabilizing and sustainability of ecosystems. The terrestrial isopods are also important members of soil macrofauna in many habitats, and they are considered as an integral part of the decomposition process. Although the role of isopod in decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients is very well known, there is no available scientific research or information dealing with the utilization of fertilizer obtained from it as the plant and seedling growing media or soil conditioner in agriculture production. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the usability of fertilizer obtained from a terrestrial isopod (Porcellio laevis) and the effect of vermicompost added into the growing media in the growing of lettuce seedlings. By this purpose, 10 different mixtures containing 1, 5, 10 and 20% of each fertilizer [including agricultural soil (control) and peat] as seedling growth media were used. According to results the differences among growing media in terms of emergence and seedling characteristics were not significant. However, the leaf number, fresh-dry shoot weight, and fresh-dry root weight of seedling in all mixtures were equal or higher than control. Results from the study suggest that the isopod fertilizer for the evaluation of agricultural organic wastes which are sometimes regarded as pollutants could be confidently used.

Intensive short-duration rotational grazing is associated with improved soil quality within one year after establishment in Colombia

Large-scale conversion of natural ecosystems to grazed grasslands and subsequent soil degradation due to overgrazing and inadequate pasture management in tropical agroecosystems urgently call for sustainable intensification of grazing systems, i.e. increasing animal productivity while maintaining or improving soil quality and ecosystem services. We investigated the impact of intensive short-duration rotational grazing (IRG) management on soil properties in two study sites in Colombian Eastern Plains. In each site, one farm with stocking rates as high as 4.2 livestock units (LU) ha−1 managed by IRG was compared with an adjacent traditionally managed (reference) farm with low animal stocking rate (1 LU ha−1), where cattle grazing was either continuous (Morichal site), or rotational with long grazing period and short periods of pasture recovery (Villasol site). As early as nine months after the adoption of IRG management, both farms managed by IRG had lower bulk density and higher water retention capacity than their respective reference farms, despite the more than four-times higher stocking rates. The animal feed supplement at the IRG farm at Morichal likely contributed to higher soil organic carbon stocks and improved soil aggregation when compared to the reference farm and to the Villasol site, where no supplement was applied. The improvement of soil properties found in IRG farms, compared to reference farms, was associated with a higher macrofauna abundance, particularly that of earthworms and beetles, which play a crucial role in soil structure improvement through bioturbation. Our results demonstrate the capacity of IRG management to intensify cattle production per unit area, while simultaneously improving soil properties and increasing soil macrofauna biodiversity as early as nine months since the implementation of IRG management.

Keanekaragaman Jenis Makrofauna Tanah pada Lahan Budidaya Kentang Organik di Desa Candikuning Kabupaten Tabanan Sebagai Sumber Pembelajaran Biologi

Soil macrofauna is part of soil biodiversity that plays a roleimportant in improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Soil macrofauna has an important role in the decomposition of soil organic matter in providing nutrients. Macrofauna will break up the dead vegetable substances, then the material will be excreted in the form of feces.This study aims to determine the diversity of soil macrofauna types in organic potato cultivation land in Candikuning Village, Tabanan Regency. Data were collected by direct observation method using quadratic tools. Data in the form of soil macrofauna diversity were analyzed using the Shannon Wienner diversity index. Based on the results of data analysis, it was found that the diversity index value (H ') was 3.103, belonging to the high diversity criteria (H'> 3). The results showed that the organic farming system can maintain the stability of the soil ecosystem due to the use of organic fertilizers and biopesticides in agricultural management. The results of this study can also be used as a source of learning biology in the application of the 2013 curriculum in class 10th of Senior High School, on the subject matter of Biodiversity and Animalia Kingdom.

Diversity Of Soil Macrofauna On Several Land Use On Peatlands

Peatlands are very vulnerable to land use change. Some of the current peatland cover conditions include agricultural cultivation lands, plantations, shrubs and secondary forest. The presence of soil macrofauna as a soil ecosystem engineer can be a bio-indicator of peatland fertility. This study aims to analyze the diversity of soil macrofauna in several patterns of peat land use in cultivated areas. The research was conducted in December 2017 in Rasau Jaya District, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan Province. The research method used is monolithic technique with descriptive data analysis using the alpha and beta diversity index approach. The results showed that the diversity and diversity of macrofauna species on peatlands were classified as medium and low, with the highest diversity found in secondary forest patterns (H '= 2.09) and the lowest in oil palm plantations (H' = 0.73), while species richness was found. The highest was found in secondary forest (R '= 4.01) and the lowest was in oil palm plantations (R' = 1.42). The highest population density and abundance were the order Isoptera and Opisthopora, while the lowest is Dermaptera. Several groups of macrofauna which are used as bioindicators of land fertility are found in all land use patterns with the dominan order is Isoptera and Opisthopora. Soil temperature and acidity conditions affect soil macrofauna population density. The presence of diverse vegetation and adequate canopy can affect environmental conditions and the diversity of soil macrofauna. Based on the diversity of soil macrofauna, cultivation with an agroforestry pattern is preferable to peatlands.

Litter decomposition and microbial communities alters depending on litter type and overstory species in revegetated agricultural land

Acacia and Eucalyptus species are commonly used for revegetation in Australia and other parts of the world, yet little is known regarding how their litter might differentially impact decomposition rates and extracellular enzyme activities. To investigate this, a litter decomposition experiment was established using a reciprocal design (litter type x dominant overstory genus) in Acacia and Eucalyptus revegetation shelterbelts on a common soil to assess rates of decomposition and C degradation associated with differences in enzyme activities and microbial communities. Litter bags with two mesh sizes were used to either exclude (<2 mm) or allow access (>2 mm) by soil macrofauna. Bags were filled with either Eucalyptus, Acacia or an equal mix of Acacia and Eucalyptus litter. Decomposition, enzyme activities and bacterial and fungal community profiles were determined following recovery of surface-placed bags at 40, 96, 187, 307 days and 395 days and a buried control at day 395. Our findings did not support that mixed litter and litter under the same overstory genus would decay at a faster rate than that under a different overstory, in our study litter decomposition was greatest in Acacia litter irrespective of overstory genus. The abundance and structure of bacterial and fungal communities were assessed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) of 16S rRNA genes and quantified by qPCR. We were able to demonstrate that distinct fungal and bacterial communities occupied each litter type and these also differed between dominant overstory genus. However, we still lack a predictive framework for understanding more generally the impact of different plant species mixes on revegetation outcomes, including rates of return of contribution to ecosystem function.

Richness and Diversity of the Edaphic Macrofauna in a Brazilian Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of seasonality on the diversity and richness of the edaphic macrofauna during the dry and rainy periods, in an area of Caatinga in the Brazilian semiarid region. Samples were collected in a sample grid, totaling 10 points, spaced 30 meters apart, in rainy and dry seasons. For quantitative assessment of macrofauna, the total number of organisms (species abundance) was measured, according to diversity. The diversity of the soil macrofauna for this research corresponds to the following order: Hymenoptera&gt; Diptera&gt; Aranaea&gt; Orthoptera&gt; Coleoptera, for the rainy and dry periods, with a greater predominance of the order Hymenoptera. The influence of seasonality was observed in relation to the richness and diversity of the region's macrofauna, with marked fluctuations between the rainy and dry periods.

The effects of dryland cropping system intensity on soil function and associated changes in macrofauna communities

AbstractCrop production in water‐limited environments may be enhanced through improved soil function by facilitating precipitation capture and erosion control. Soil macrofauna are known to support improved soil structure and water dynamics through ecosystem engineering activities, and their populations can be influenced by management. We examined the effect of bare summer fallow frequency on soil macrofauna communities and soil physical properties in a long‐term (32‐yr) dryland no‐till agroecosystem experiment at two sites in eastern Colorado, USA. Treatments represented a gradient of fallow frequency and organic matter inputs, which included wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow, wheat–corn (Zea mays L.)–fallow, and continuously cropped with no planned summer fallow. The design also included a perennial grass treatment with minimal management consisting of six native grasses. We observed links between soil macrofauna and soil functional metrics, particularly related to soil aggregation and water infiltration. There was a trend toward higher macrofauna populations and soil function with increased cropping system intensity, and perennial grass outperformed the cropped treatments significantly for most soil health parameters. Multivariate analyses revealed that different treatments support relatively distinct macrofauna communities. Our results suggest that soil macrofauna populations may be important facilitators of soil structure and associated water dynamics in dryland no‐till agroecosystems and respond positively to reduced fallow and higher organic inputs.