Soil Mesofauna Research Articles

Abstract The study was conducted in an undisturbed natural grassland ecosystem to examine how abiotic factors affect the distribution of litter and soil mesofauna. The results showed a strong correlation between the abundance of soil and litter mesofauna and abiotic factors. In the natural grassland, the soil mesofauna population ranged from 10.00 (second fortnight) to 62.00 /400g (Xthfortnight), with an average population of 26.64 /400g. Similarly, the litter mesofauna population ranged from 10.00 (second fortnight) to 230.33 /100g (Xth fortnight), with an average population of 57.62/100g. The distribution of soil and litter mesofauna was significantly influenced by abiotic factors, up to 91.20 and 96.50 per cent, respectively. Soil temperature at 7 hrs affected the abundance of litter mesofauna by up to 47.9. A one-unit change in soil temperature at 7 hrs decreased 59.27 units in litter mesofauna abundance. Additionally, sunshine hours, soil temperature, and atmospheric minimum temperature collectively influenced litter mesofauna abundance by up to 84.4 per cent. Furthermore, these three abiotic factors and soil moisture impacted litter mesofauna abundance by up to 91.00 per cent.

Abstract The 24-month greenhouse study conducted at GKVK campus of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, aimed to mass-produce soil mesofauna collected from Terminalia arjuna forest plantations. Over the months, the abundance of mesofauna in soil samples from the forest ecosystem varied, showing lower activity in the summer and increased abundance after rainfall. A particularly noteworthy finding was the highest population (1223 mesofauna/400g soil sample) recorded in January 2020, highlighting the remarkable adaptability and resilience of mesofauna in fluctuating conditions. The study suggested that mesofauna can be mass multiplied in soil by providing household vegetable wastes as food and water. The abundance of mesofauna in the soil samples collected from the forest ecosystem ranged from 32.00 to 163.00/400 g at monthly intervals. In the greenhouse, the mean abundance of mesofauna varied from 74.33 to 204.38/400 g of soil over six months, indicating their ability to survive throughout the year regardless of the season. Mesofaunal diversity indices ranged from 0.7 to 0.85 in the natural forest ecosystem and from 0.21 to 0.90 in the greenhouse conditions throughout the year.

Abstract An observable discrepancy was noted in the abundance of soil cryptostigmatids across different treatments. The highest abundance of soil cryptostigmatids (4.28/400g) was recorded in plots that followed a recommended package of practices, which was comparable to the higher farmyard manure dose applied plots with reduced fertilizer doses and farmyard alone treatments. Notably, the lowest soil cryptostigmatid population was observed in the recommended fertilizer alone treatment (2.64 cryptostigmatids/400g of soil). The cryptostigmatids population gradually increased and peaked 105 days after sowing. At 45 days after sowing, the soil microbial biomass carbon content was significantly higher in plots treated with 20 t of FYM alone and lower in plots treated with recommended fertilizer alone. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation (0.277**) between cryptostigmatid abundance and microbial biomass carbon.

Abstract The study revealed a significant correlation between the abundance of soil and litter mesofauna and various environmental factors. In the natural, undisturbed forest ecosystem, the soil mesofauna population varied from 14.66 (XIVth fortnight) to 80.00 /400g (XIth fortnight), with an average population of 41.55 /400g. Likewise, the litter mesofauna population ranged from 16.33 (XIVth fortnight) to 170.00 /100g (VIIIth fortnight), with an average population of 72.74/100g. Abiotic factors had a significant impact on the distribution of soil and litter mesofauna, accounting for up to 63.50 and 70.10 percent, respectively. Additionally, sunshine hours were found to influence the abundance of litter mesofauna by up to 43.8 percent. Specifically, a one-unit change in sunshine hours corresponded to a decrease of 11.876 units in litter mesofauna abundance.

Tree pathogens threaten the survival of many forest foundation tree species worldwide. However, there is limited knowledge of how dieback of foundation tree species may threaten other components of forest ecosystems, such as soil biodiversity and associated ecosystem functions. Kauri (Agathis australis), threatened by the root-borne pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida, are culturally and ecologically significant tree species that exert great influence on soil properties. We aimed to characterise soil mesofauna community structure and energy fluxes in kauri forests and assess the potential threat that tree pathogens such as P. agathidicida pose to belowground ecosystems. We sampled soil mesofauna communities and identified specimens to functional feeding groups at 24 pairs of kauri and adjacent broadleaf trees in sites across the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, Aotearoa – New Zealand. We attributed kauri canopy health scores, measured tree diameter, slope, forest floor depth, and soil carbon dioxide efflux. We also analysed soil samples for P. agathidicida presence, total carbon, and total nitrogen. We constructed soil mesofauna food webs associated with kauri and broadleaf trees, and assessed the uniqueness of food webs associated with kauri and the impacts of P. agathidicida on density, biomass, mean body mass, and energy fluxes of mesofauna taxonomic and trophic groups. We found omnivores with larger body mass at kauri where P. agathidicida was detected (i.e., P. agathidicida-positive soils). Compared to broadleaf trees, mesofauna density and biomass were lower in soils under kauri, and body masses of Symphyla and omnivores were smaller in soils under kauri. Differences in mesofauna community response variables between tree types were mainly modulated by the soil C:N ratio, which had positive effects under broadleaf and neutral to negative effects under kauri. Energy fluxes to detritivores and fungivores were greater under larger trees, regardless of tree type or P. agathidicida detection status. Our findings suggest that kauri support soil mesofauna food webs that are distinctly different from those found under broadleaf trees in the same habitat. A decreased presence of this foundation species may be linked to future impacts on soil mesofauna in this forest ecosystem with increasingly advanced stages of kauri dieback.

Viticulture is one of the most important agricultural sectors in the Mediterranean area but also one with substantial impact on the soil ecosystem. Some of the most common practices in viticulture, such as tillage, inter-row management, fertilization and use of pesticides, can have important effects on soil communities. The latter significantly contribute to several fundamental soil processes such as decomposition, nutrient and carbon cycling, and microbiota regulation. In perspective, it is therefore necessary to assess the effects of agronomical practices on soil biological communities. The increasing shift towards organic viticulture is seen as a promising management model to maintain soil functionality and preserve soil biodiversity. Below, we present an appraisal of the main practices in conventional and organic viticulture and their possible effects on soil mesofauna. Understanding the extent to which organic practices contribute to maintaining/altering soil functionality and biodiversity is a fundamental step towards the development of an environmentally sustainable viticulture.

The study focused on the composition of soil mesofauna within changing cropping systems influenced by urbanization in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India during the rabi season of 2020 (October)-2021 (February). Four major cropping systems, namely pulses (red gram), vegetables (tomato and ridge gourd), horticulture (grapes and chickoo), and agriculture + horticulture crops, (coconut + fodder plantation), were examined across urban, peri-urban, and rural zones in Bengaluru. The research uncovered a total of 714 individuals belonging to 16 different soil mesofauna taxa among the crops studied. Collembolans were found to be the most abundant members of the mesofauna community, with mites following closely. In terms of population dynamics, the highest mesofauna population was observed in December 2020, totaling 248 individuals, while the lowest count was recorded in February 2021, with 104 individuals. Among the crops studied, the highest number of individuals was found in Horticulture systems, with 277 individuals, closely followed by the Agri + horticulture cropping system, which had 158 individuals. When considering the geographical zones, the highest number of individuals was recorded in the urban zones, with 270 individuals, followed by peri-urban areas with 229 individuals, and the rural zone had the lowest count, totaling 225 individuals. From the results, less disturbed soil environment in horticulture cropping system, post-monsoon conditions in December (2020), and the urban heat in urban zone appeared to favor the proliferation of soil mesofauna.

Soil fauna is important in the breakdown of organic matter for soil fertility. Various environmental factors, including edaphic, climatic factors, and overlying vegetation, influence the abundance of soil fauna. This study aims to analyze the abundance of soil fauna at different altitudes and the influence of the environment on it. The research was conducted at three different altitudes, namely 1,550 m asl, 1,650 m asl, 1,750 m asl, and in open land (1,200 m asl). The LSD test results showed that the abundance of soil fauna significantly differed between the altitude of 1,650 m asl and open land. In comparison, the abundance of soil fauna at the 1,550 m asl and 1,750 m asl was not significantly different at the 95% confidence interval. The results of the correlation analysis show that the climatic factors of light intensity and air temperature are negatively correlated. In contrast, air humidity positively correlates with the abundance of soil fauna. Factors strongly correlated with abundance are litter wet weight and soil pH.

Green manure provides growth benefits for soil mesofauna by promoting soil fertility in agroecosystems

Discrimination of compounds produced from plant roots is a challenging purpose, especially in presence of the soil matrix and the associated fauna. In this study, we aimed to test a collection method of chemical signals released by living plants and soil fauna in interaction in a soil matrix. Microcosms, with stopcock, were filled with soil, and four treatments were designed based on the presence/absence of an annual herbaceous plant, Poa annua and of a soil Collembola species, Folsomia candida. Soil leachates were collected with a percolated solution and analyzed by a fast analytical method combining analytical separation of compounds through ultra high performance liquid chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The experimental design appears to be suitable for leachates sampling. Detected chemicals clearly discriminated the treatments, demonstrating how biotic interactions belowground between a plant and a Collembola species may change soil chemical signals.

Coastal wetlands, vital for ecological diversity, have been significantly altered by anthropogenic activities, particularly in the Caribbean. These changes have created a complex mosaic of habitats and physicochemical conditions, further stressed by climate variability and sea-level rise. This study, conducted in Las Cucharillas Natural Reserve, a tropical urban coastal wetland in Puerto Rico, aimed to determine the effects of spatiotemporal variations in phreatic levels and salinity on soil mesofauna assemblages, crucial bio-indicators of environmental change. In 2020 and 2021, soil samples were collected from five diverse habitat types during different hydroperiods. Each sample was taken under four randomly selected plant types and processed using lighted Tullgren–Berlese extractors. Phreatic level and salinity were also measured. A total of 43 families were quantified, underscoring distinct habitat differences, similarities, and overall ecosystem diversity. Moderate correlations between phreatic levels, salinity, and mesofauna richness and abundance were determined. Peak richness and abundance were quantified at shallow (−0.03 to −0.07 m) and slightly moderate (−0.12 to −0.17 m) phreatic levels where oligohaline salinity (>0.5 to 5.0 ppt) prevails. The study highlights the adaptability of mesofauna to environmental shifts and their potential as biosensors for effective coastal wetland management amid climatic and anthropogenic pressures.

ABSTRACT The objective of the research was to identify the groups of soil mesofauna in farms of six municipalities of Norte de Santander before planting polyculture plots. A non-experimental qualitative and quantitative study was carried out where the soils of 15 farms in each municipality were sampled to identify the taxonomic groups of the edaphic mesofauna. The Berlese-Tyllgren funnel extraction method was used to separate and quantify individuals by families and orders. The soil mesofauna in the six study municipalities included members of between two and six classes corresponding to Arachnida, Diplura, Entognatha, Insecta, Malacostraca and Symphyla, with a greater number of families for Arachnida in all municipalities. In general, the soils of the farms of these municipalities are not considered very disturbed given the number of orders and families present with different functions in the edaphic trophic chain.

Earthworms make up the bulk of the soil mesofauna and play an important role in the transformation of organic matter, the formation of the pedosphere, the regulation of the flows of matter, energy and information in ecosystems. In this research, we have studied the species composition of earthworms in urban and suburban ecosystems of the foothills of the Trans Ili-Alatau. As a result of the work, 11 species of the Lumbricidae family of the Oligochaeta class were discovered. 6 species out of them have been discovered in our Republic: Aporrectodea rosea, Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbricus castaneus, Octolasion lacteum, Dendrobaena octaedra and Aporrectodea caliginosa are widespread. The genus Lumbricus is the most common in terms of the number of individuals in the studied territories. Significant differences have been established in the species composition of earthworms in technogenic and natural biogeocenoses. The lumbricides are the absolute dominants in two ecosystems. Along with the species composition of earthworms, seasonal dynamics were also studied, it was found that their maximum activity is observed at the most favorable ratio of temperature and humidity.

Springtails (Collembola) are important members of the soil mesofauna. They are small, often less than 1-2 mm in length. A typical escape response of most surface-living species is to jump, using their furca. However, some species also use chemical defence against predators. While the defence chemistry of higher insects has been well studied, reports from the basal Collembola are rare, linked to the difficulties in obtaining enough biomass. We herein report on the identification and repellent activity of compounds detected in Ceratophysella denticulata. Extracts with various solvents obtained from only 50 individuals were sufficient for analysis by GC/MS, GC/HR-MS, and GC/IR. The large number of candidate structures of the major components were then prioritised by DFT calculations of IR spectra. Finally, the total synthesis of the top candidates confirmed the structures of the three major compounds to be 4-methoxy-5-(methylthio)benzo-1,3-dioxolane, 5,6,7-trimethoxybenzo-1,3-oxathiolane, and 8-amino-5,6,7-trimethoxybenzo-1,3-oxathiolane, the latter being the first naturally occurring fully hetero-substituted benzene. These highly substituted benzenes have no precedence in nature and carry structural motifs rare in nature, such as the benzo-1,3-oxathiolane ring system or the occurrence of O-, N-, and S-substituents at the same benzene core. Another novel natural compound, 2-methyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine, is used by Hypogastrura viatica. 4-Methoxy-5-(methylthio)benzo-1,3-dioxolane showed significant activity in deterrence assays with the ant Lasius niger. The data indicate that the title compounds are used in the chemical defence of these springtails, thus adding a new compound class to the known antipredator defences of arthropods. The results underline the difference in defence chemistry between Collembola and insects.

Soil fauna is a biotic soil component that can be used as fertility bio-indicators. This altitude difference is thought to affect the soil fauna. This research aims to identify differences in the abundance of soil mesofauna and macrofauna at the study site and to analyze the relationship between climatic and edaphic factors. Sampling measuring 20 m x 20 m was placed by purposive sampling at 1.250, 1.350, 1.450 m asl, and open area (1.200 m asl) for vegetation analysis and subplots were carried out by purposive sampling on three sample subplots measuring (1 m x 1 m) for soil samples and environmental factors. The highest soil fauna was found at an altitude of 1.350 m asl (265 individual / m2) and the lowest was in the open area (11 individual / m2). The different test results showed that the altitude of 1.250 and 1.450 m asl was not significantly different, while the altitude of 1.350 m asl and in open area showed a significant difference. The relationship between the population of soil fauna and climatic factors such as ambient temperature and sunlight intensity has a negative correlation value, while humidity shows a positive correlation value. Edaphic factors such as pH, and cation exchange capacity, have negative correlation, while litter weight, respiration, and soil porosity show positive correlation values.
 Keywords: climatic, edaphic, population, soil fauna, submontane

Purpose. Geoecological assessment of impact on the ecosystem transformation of a part of Emerald Network object “Samarskyi Lis – UA0000212” caused by coal mining at the section of “Ternivska” mine (Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine) using the methods of remote sensing of the Earth in conditions of limited access to the study object due to the state of martial law in Ukraine. Methodology. A complex of standardized field, paper, laboratory and statistical research methods was used. When studying aquatic vegetation, generally accepted methods for describing the species and coenotic composition of vegetation and hydrobotanical mapping were used. The study on soil vegetation was carried out with the selection and description of the main phytocenoses, features of their composition and distribution on the territory. Floristic studies were carried out according to the method for collecting herbarium material. Field routes were carried out on the land surface along the mining of the coal bed with the recording of destructive changes in the landscape (falls, top-soil breaks, sufosis manifestations, cracks, lowering of the relief) and plant groups – the colour and condition of tree, shrub and grass vegetation. In order to compare visual observation data and obtain representative and reliable research results, the facility was monitored additionally using modern geoinformation systems. A satellite observation tool was used; it allowed searching, processing, and obtaining information from satellite data according to various indexes: WRI, NDWI, MNDWI, NDSI. Findings. Negative consequences of the impact of the coal mine “Ternivska” on the geological and ecological transformation of the Emerald network ecosystem “Samarskyi Lis – UA0000212” have been established. It has been proven that long-term underflooding and flooding of lands leads to a change in the species composition of the forest stand, the death of the understory and grass layer, and the complete destruction of the existing plant and animal communities. In flooded areas of oak forests and pine plantations, forest species die out and wetland plant species spread. Over three years (2020–2023), the area of visible and established flooding according to remote sensing data has increased from 1 to 6 hectares, respectively. Originality. Dynamics of the process of the land surface subsidence and protected area flooding has been established according to the data of open-source geoinformation systems and the comparison of various satellite data indexes (WRI, NDWI, MNDWI, NDSI). Gradual changes in the species composition of the forest stand, the death of the understory and the grass layer were revealed. It has been confirmed that long-term flooding leads to the complete destruction of existing plant and animal communities, the destruction of compound complexes of soil mesofauna makes development impossible for the terrestrial invertebrate species that lived in these biotopes before their destruction, including species from the Red List of Ukraine and protected by the Berne Convention. Practical value. In the conditions of limited access for conducting direct geodetic and engineering-geological studies, the methodology of using modern GIS by combining various spectral channels (indexes) is substantiated to determine and study the dynamics of the underflooding (flooding) process in the territory. In combination with traditional field geobotanical research, the results of monitoring observations of the coal mining activity and its impact on the geoecological transformation of the ecosystem of the Emerald Network object are presented for the first time in the region. The negative impact of mining activity on natural conservation areas, which leads to the death and gradual change in the species composition of plants, has been determined.

Indicators of practice intensity unearth the effects of cropping systems on soil mesofauna

Soil mesofauna can be used as an indicator of soil fertility on post-tin mining reclamation land. The diversity of soil mesofauna depends on climatic conditions and soil characteristics at its habitat. The purpose of this study were to determine the diversity of soil mesofauna at various ages of post-tin mining reclamation on Bangka Island and to determine the relationship of soil mesofauna diversity at various ages of post-tin mining reclamation land on Bangka Island with the soil characteristics. This research was carried out in January-March 2021 in reclamation land with different ages (2 years, 4 years, 6 years and 26 years) and forest site as control (comparison data). The method used is a survey method and sampling with a stratified random sampling method using pifall trap. The results showed that the diversity of soil mesofauna in reclamation aged 2 years, 4 years and 6 years, and control forest was in the medium category while the 26 years old reclamation land indicated as low diversity. The age of reclamation affects the soil mesofauna’s diversity index, the higher the age of reclamation land have higher diversity index, except for the 26 years old reclamation. The soil mesofauna diversity index has a very high correlation with soil and air moisture, a very low correlation with air temperature, a moderate correlation between air temperature and soil pH, while the C-organic content is opposite or negatively correlated with the diversity index and evenness index of the soil mesofauna.

Relationship of Soil Mesofauna Diversity with Organic Little in Secondary Forest in Candikuning Village. Soil mesofauna play important role in maintaining and supporting soil fertility of natural forest. Their population, diversity, and function influenced by organic residues and inhibit by disturbance on the habitat, i.e., forest fragmentation. A field study to confirm the differences of soil mesofauna diversity and its relation to organic matter content among fragmented secondary natural forest in Candikuning village had done on February – April 2022. Study site was four fragmented secondary forest in Candikuning Village, i.e., Botanical Garden in Bedugul, secondary Geothermal natural forest, secondary natural forest impacted by short-cut development, and Village Binggo forest. Every 15 composite soil sample and organic residue had taken from minipit on each secondary natural forest followed by 3 replications. Soil mesofauna was extracted using berlesse-tullgren and lighted by 45 watt led lamp for 48 hours. Morphological identification of the soil mesofauna showed that 5 orders, 12 families, 15 genera, and 15 species were found on the study site. Soil mesofauna dominance index in shortcut forest, Bedugul botanical garden forest, and geothermal forest was low (D = <0.3), which is between 0.05-0.22. The soil mesofauna diversity index in shortcut forest, Bedugul botanical garden forest, and geothermal forest was medium (H` = 1-3), which is between 1.64-2.30. The evenness index of the soil mesofauna at all research sites was high (E = > 0.6), which was between 0.70-0.98. The correlation of organic matter with soil mesofauna only significantly positive to Hemiptera in Geothermal Forest.

Diversity of Soil Mesofauna on Conventional Agricultural Land and Organic in Baturiti Sub-District. A comparative descriptive research was carried out to determine the impact of conventional and organic vegetable cultivation systems on the diversity of soil mesofauna in Baturiti District. Each three replicates of soil samples were taken from 5 types of vegetable plants cultivated on conventional agricultural and organic agricultural lands. The samples were taken at a depth of 0-20 cm from purposive vegetable field. Soil mesofauna was separately extracted from each soil sample using the Barlesse-Tullgren extraction method with under 45 watt lamp for 48 hours. The morphology of the mesofauna was observed under stereo microscope. The research results show that the soil mesofauna on conventional agricultural land consists of 7 orders, 18 families, 19 genera and 22 species with a total of 31 individuals per m2, while on organic agricultural land there are 7 orders, 17 families, 20 genera and 23 species with the number of individuals was 45. The soil mesofauna dominance index in all research locations was low between 0.02-0.15. The soil mesofauna diversity index in all research locations is in the medium category, namely between 1.87-2.62. The evenness index of soil mesofauna types throughout the research location is in the high category, namely between 0.95-1.09.