Soil Mite Communities Research Articles

Soil mite communities (Acari: Gamasina) from different ecosystem types from Romania

The study aimed to characterize the distribution of soil mite populations (Acari: Gamasina) from several terrestrial ecosystems, some of them little studied in Romania as well as in Europe. We studied the Gamasina communities in seven ecosystem types from the Doftana Valley, Prahova County: Luzulo-Fagetum beech forest; Medio-European limestone beech forest of the Cephalanthero-Fagion; Pannonic woods with Quercus petraea and Carpinus betulus; Galio-carpinetum oak – hornbeam forests; Alpine rivers and their ligneous vegetation with Myricaria germanica; alluvial shrub, characteristic for a hilly-mountain area, with Salix purpurea; adjacent area to an inland cliff ecosystem. A total of 240 soil samples, 63 species and 475 individuals were analysed. The samples were taken from May 2006 till September 2010. The highest numerical abundance and species diversity was found in the area located nearby to an inland cliff, which is an early succession stage ecosystem. Considering the dominance and constancy indices quantified for mites from all investigated areas, the highest percent was recorded by the recedent-subrecedent and accessory-accidental species. Based on similarity index two different characteristic groups of gamasid populations were delimited: one for deciduous forests and one for shrubs. DCA ordination successfully handled the variation in soil mite species communities taking account of the soil type.

Impacts of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata, Brassicaceae) invasion on oribatid mites in urban forest soils vary with the size of the invaded patch

Investment in non-native species management should be informed by knowledge of impact, including on native biodiversity and ecosystem function. Oribatid soil mites may be useful to evaluate the impacts of plant invasions since they are bioindicators of disturbance and soil ecosystem health. Still, more research is needed to characterize their responses to plant invasion, especially at the species level. Our objective was to determine the effect of invasion of urban forest understories by an allelopathic weed (garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata (Brassicaceae)) on belowground oribatid mite species and communities. At two sites in central Alberta (Canada), over two years, we examined adult oribatid (≥ 300 µm) community assemblages, species richness, evenness, diversity, and abundance in plots invaded with garlic mustard and uninvaded plots with native vegetation. Environmental covariates known to be associated with soil invertebrate communities were also evaluated. Results suggest that the spatial extent of the garlic mustard invasion (patch area) mediates its impact on oribatid mite communities. However, there were no community-level impacts when considering invasion as binary (garlic mustard vs. native vegetation). Garlic mustard patch area influenced oribatid community composition and was positively related to species richness and several abundance metrics. The oribatid species we observed benefiting from garlic mustard invasion have been previously associated with disturbed soils. The mechanisms driving these patterns need more research, but we hypothesize they may relate to patch-specific resident times. Site was also a dominant factor influencing oribatid mite communities, and impacts of year, litter depth, and canopy cover were also detected at the species and/or community level. These findings contribute to our understanding of the impact of an invasive weed on bioindicating soil mite communities and species and highlight the importance of considering invasion context, including spatial extent when evaluating the impacts of invasive species on belowground invertebrate communities.

Impact of land use history and soil properties on soil mite communities (Acari, Mesostigmata) inhabiting stands growing on post‐agricultural land

AbstractDecades of agriculture in a former—type of ecosystem, for example, deciduous forests—result in severe habitat degradation. The planted tree species encounter harsh conditions due to physically and chemically transformed soil environments. In addition, afforestation itself significantly modifies the upper soil horizons. It may impact the soil fauna communities, including mites from the Mesostigmata order (Mesostigmata = Gamasida). Due to their sensitivity, mesostigmatid mites are good bioindicators of changes in the soil. A decrease in the density, species richness, and diversity of mites indicates disturbances in the soil environment and may confirm the impact of agricultural practice on the soil environment. Our research aim was to examine the impact of soil properties and land use history on the mesostigmatid mite communities in stands growing on forest and post‐agricultural lands. These sites were afforested with different tree species (Betula pendula Roth., Fagus sylvatica L., Pinus sylvestris L., and Quercus robur L.). Thus, 21 research plots were established on forest and post‐agricultural land, each on rusty soils considered to be one of the most common in Central European forests. We collected a total of 567 soil samples during three sampling sessions in spring and autumn for soil Mesostigmata investigation. We also described the soil profile on each plot and collected soil and litter samples to measure pH, litter thickness, soil organic matter, bulk density, soil moisture, soil organic carbon, and elements content. Our study revealed that 16 out of 30 environmental parameters differed between habitat types. A total of 1355 mites were classified into 58 taxa (50 species and 8 genera). The most numerous species were Veigaia nemorensis (165 ind.; 12.2% of all mesostigmatid mites), Zercon peltatus (156; 11.5%), and Paragamasus conus (141; 10.4%). The highest abundance was recorded in birch stands on forest land, whereas the lowest abundance for oak stands growing on post‐agricultural land. Interestingly, in oak stands we recorded both the highest diversity of mite communities (forest land) and the lowest on post‐agricultural land. Furthermore, our study showed that post‐agricultural land and Na content in forest litter affected the abundance, species richness, and diversity of mesostigmatid mite communities. Species richness was additionally affected by tree species, that is, pine and oak. Our research indicated that long‐term agricultural practice negatively affected the density, species richness, and diversity of Mesostigmata communities 20 years after afforestation.

The Influence of Land Management on Soil Mite (Acari: Oribatida, Prostigmata, and Mesostigmata) Communities as Bioindicators for Environmental Conditions

As a soil-living organism, soil mite presence is important for ensuring the sustainable land. Intensive management practices in forest land drive a change in its community structure. A field study was conducted in Wanagama Education and Research Forest I, Gunungkidul District, Yogyakarta Special Region Province, Indonesia, to assess the role and impact of the different forest management practices on the soil mite community. Soil samples from 15 representative soil sites were taken from the agroforestry, mixed-forest, and pioneer community forest. Collected individuals from August to October 2021 were taken by Berlese-Tullgenn Funnel and identified to morphospecies level. A total of 758 individuals of soil mites were recorded during the study period. Out of these, 21 individuals from agroforestry, 288 individuals from mixed-forest, and 449 individuals from pioneer community forest. Results of the study revealed the occurrence of 3 taxa from 36 morphospecies of oribatid mites occurred in the areas. The Shannon diversity indices of oribatid mites were 1.831, 1.424, and 0.867 in mixed-forest, agroforestry, and pioneer community, respectively. The similarity indices showed there was a similar diversity in agroforestry and mixed-forest, either in pioneer community. Through one-way ANOVA analysis, we stated that differences between of three management practices significantly affected soil mites, especially oribatida rather than prostigmata and mesostigmata.

Responses of taxonomic and functional diversity of soil mites to altitudinal changes in forest ecosystems of Lyuliang Mountains, Shanxi, China

The altitudinal gradient pattern of mountain biodiversity and its formation mechanism are hot topics in ecological research. The altitudinal variations of belowground invertebrates are less understood than aboveground plants and animals. With soil mites as the model soil animals, we investigated their distribution patterns from 1318 m to 2500 m above sea level in three mountains of Lyuliang Mountains based on species diversity and functional diversity. We used soil pH, total N, total P, total K, and organic matter content to identify potential drivers of soil mite communities and diversity along the altitudinal gradient. A total of 715 soil mites were collected, belonging to 3 orders, 27 families, 28 genera, and 29 species. Phthiracarus clemens, Geolaelaps praesternalis and Diapterobates humeralis were dominant mites. Non-metric multidimensional scaling showed that soil mites community composition varied significantly among different altitudes due to Epilohmannia ovata predominated in high altitude and P. clemens predominated in middle altitude. There were significant differences in individual density of soil mites among different altitudes. The Margalef, Shannon, and Simpson indices followed a unimodal distribution pattern along the altitudinal gradient. Functional richness and functional evenness showed a unimodal distribution pattern along the altitudinal gradient, while other functional diversity indices changed little with altitude. The RDA results indicated that total K and soil pH were the major drivers for the variations in soil mite communities. The Pielou index of soil mites was significantly positively correlated with soil pH, while functional evenness was negatively correlated with altitude. Individual density, species number, Margalef, Simpson and Shannon indices were significantly positively correlated with functional richness index. Species diversity and functional diversity of soil mites varied differently with altitude. In the future, we should strengthen long-term monitoring and dynamic functional properties of soil mites and the community assembly to deeply understand the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

Soil mite (Acari: Oribatida) communities in the limestone quarry of Saskhori (Gerogia)

Abstract The present publication provides a review of the soil mite (Acari; Oribatida) community’s structure and the connection between changes in environmental factors and oribatid mite diversity in the limestone quarry of Saskhori and its adjacent areas. Overall, 52 species were recorded during the study. The most abundant oribatid mite species were Steganacarus carinatus, Aleurodamaeus setosus, Xenillus tegeocranus, Ceratoppia bipilis, Oribatula tibialis, and Punctoribates punctum. Interestingly, 23 species of oribatid mites were recorded for the first time from the limestone quarry of Saskhori, and one species (Liacarus oribatelloides) was a new record for the Caucasus fauna. The following indices were analyzed: abundance (N), species diversity (S), Shannon’s diversity index (H), and Pielou’s evenness index (J’). Regarding the obtained results, the highest density of oribatid mites was recorded in the habitat with Shibliak shrubbery (332 inds/m2), while the forest habitat was characterized with the highest value for Shannon’s diversity index (2,64). In the publication, we also provide a detailed morphological description of the newly recorded species L. oribatelloides, with the respective illustration, as no figures are given in its original description.

Effect of Grazing Management on Predator Soil Mite Communities (Acari: Mesotigmata) in Some Subalpine Grasslands from the Făgăraş Mountains-Romania.

For the first time in Romania, a complex study was conducted on soil mite communities from two types of managed grasslands: ungrazed and intensively grazed. The study was accomplished in August 2018, in the Făgăraş Mountains. Within the soil mite communities (Mesostigmata), 30 species were identified, from 80 soil samples. The following population parameters were investigated: species richness, numerical abundance, dominance, Shannon index of diversity, evenness and equitability. Eight environmental variables were also measured: soil and air humidity; soil and air temperature; soil pH; resistance of soil to penetration; soil electrical conductivity; and vegetation coverage. The results revealed that species richness, Shannon index of diversity, evenness and equitability indices had higher values in ungrazed grasslands, whereas in intensively grazed areas, the numerical abundance and dominance index had significantly higher values. The species Alliphis halleri was dominant in the ungrazed grasslands. Each type of managed grassland was characterised by specific environmental conditions, which had an important influence, even at the species level.

Changes in diversity and functional groups of soil mite communities are associated with properties of food resources along a subalpine secondary succession

It is hypothesized that soil animal diversity is supported by environmental and food diversity. Mites are the most abundant microarthropods in soil communities that occupy several trophic levels in soil food webs and play important role in litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. However, it is not clear if diversity of mite communities is associated with diversity and quality in corresponding food resources across trophic levels. Here, we studied the influences of resource diversity (plants, fungi, and nematodes) and abiotic factors (litter and soil attributes) on taxonomic richness of detritivorous, fungivorous, and predatory mites (75 mite genera in total) in a subalpine succession (grassland, shrubland, secondary forest, primary forest) in southwestern China. Supporting our main hypothesis, diversity of the bulk mite community and individual functional groups was associated with the diversity and quality of resources across trophic levels. The total taxonomic richness was highest in the shrubland successional stage, where plant diversity was the highest, and decreased in late-successional stages despite a similar abundance. Diversity of predatory and fungivorous mites was positively associated with the diversity of nematode and fungal communities and reached maximum at the shrubland and grassland stages, respectively. Diversity of detritivorous mites was similar across different successional stages, being associated with litter quality. These findings provide empirical evidence that supports general ecological theory on the mechanisms that support multitrophic biodiversity in soils.

The effects of pollution by multiple metals derived from long-term smelting activities on soil mite communities in arable soils under different land use types in East China.

Soil pollution represents a threat to soil biodiversity and to soil and human health. However, many ecotoxicological issues, such as the impact of heavy metal pollution on the soil mite community and its spatial distribution in areas with complex environmental factors, are not fully understood. Here, an investigation was conducted in an arable area (about 11 km2) enclosed by surrounding mountains. The study area was contaminated with potentially toxic metals derived from copper smelting that was functioning for over 10years. The area comprised four land use types: woodlands, dry fields, paddy fields, and wastelands, and was divided into 141 study sites each with an area of 6.25ha. The soil metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd) contents, pH, and organic matter were determined and their distributions were established. Furthermore, soil mite (Acari) community properties (species richness, individual abundance, and Shannon-Wiener diversity index) were determined, and the distributions of total species number and abundance were ascertained. Soil metal pollution strongly reduced soil mite community, but the effects depended on mite groups or species and their sensitivity to different metals as well as land use types. CANOCO analysis revealed that the order Oribatida was more highly correlated with soil metal contents, whereas the other three orders responded to soil metal contents depending on land use types, mite properties, or metals. SADIE method indicated that the coordinate relationship between mite species number and metal concentration was more negative (4-25% of the study sites) than positive (4-12%). The metal pollution levels in the soil were evaluated by single and integrated pollution and ecological risk indices.

Soil mite communities structure (Acari, Mesostigmata) during litter decomposition of seven tree species in pure Scots pine stands (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing on a reclaimed post‐industrial area

AbstractOur knowledge about mites, including mesostigmatids, compared to their significant role in soil‐forming processes on post‐industrial areas, is currently insufficient. Therefore, our study aim was to analyze the succession of mesostigmatid communities in relation to litter decomposition of seven tree species [Acer pseudoplatanus L., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Fagus sylvatica L., Pinus sylvestris L., Prunus serotina Ehrh., Quercus rubra L., Robinia pseudoacacia L.] in pure Scots pine stands growing on a reclaimed spoil heap. In December 2011, 1439 litterbags were placed on plots and collected after ca. 3, 6, 9, 13, 19, 25, 31, 37 months since the experiment started. In total, we recorded 9653 mites classified into 67 taxa. The mesostigmatid abundance was affected by percentage initial litter mass loss. Interestingly, litter type shaped species richness and diversity, but not abundance. The highest abundance, almost two‐times higher compared to other tree species, was recorded in Prunus serotina litter (352.73 ± 105.22 ind.; calculated per 100 g of dry litter mass) and the lowest in Quercus rubra (81.23 ± 9.82 ind.). Furthermore, the lowest richness (2.39 ± 0.07; calculated per sample) and diversity (0.33 ± 0.02; calculated per sample) was recorded in Pinus sylvestris litter, therefore, our results are in contradiction to the home‐field advantage assumptions that the ‘home’ litter has a positive effect on soil fauna structure compared to the ‘foreign’ litter. Nevertheless, the greatest abundance share of Asca bicornis and Amblyseius tubae, the most numerous species, was recorded for Pinus sylvestris litter.

Which soil properties affect soil mite (Acari, Mesostigmata) communities in stands with various shares of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.)?

European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is an important tree species and a critical component of European forests. Its share has gradually decreased due to the global climate crisis or fungal diseases. Therefore, it may influence dependent plant communities and soil organisms. Hence, we aimed to describe soil properties among different habitats where ash may grow and assess how these habitats affect abundance, species richness, and diversity of soil mite (Mesostigmata) communities. The study was conducted in eight stands (western Poland) grouped in four habitats differing in terms of soil conditions and stand species composition. Stands represented: (1) optimal habitats for ash growth with >90 % ash in the tree layer, (2) optimal habitats without ash in the tree layer, (3) suboptimal habitats with >60 % ash and co-dominance of Quercus robur L., and (4) transformed habitats with >60 % ash and co-dominance of Pinus sylvestris L. Soil environments within the research plots (circular plot area in each stand = 400 m2) were characterized by the description of the soil profile and 17 soil parameters provided for each of 72 soil samples. Mesostigmatid mites were extracted from 72 additionally collected samples into Berlese-Tullgren funnels, then mounted on slides and classified to species or genus levels.In total, 362 mites were classified into 39 taxa. The most numerous taxa were Paragamasus sp. (13.0 % of all mites), Oodinychus ovalis (C. L. Koch) (11.3 %), and Paragamasus runcatellus (Berlese) (8.6 %). We found that decreasing nitrate‑nitrogen was accompanied by increasing mite abundance, species richness, and diversity. Furthermore, mesostigmatid mite abundance and species richness increased with increasing soil pH. Although soil moisture, pH of forest litter, magnesium, calcium, potassium, total nitrogen, and C/N mass ratio differed between all habitats, they did not affect Mesostigmatid abundance, species richness, and diversity. Nevertheless, analysis of variance conducted for the Canonical Correspondence Analysis model showed that habitat and pH of forest litter significantly impacted the community species composition of mesostigmatid mites. Our study provides a better understanding of the habitat requirements of soil mesostigmatid mites and, therefore, leads to improving the use of mesostigmatid mite taxa as effective bioindicators of soil and environmental quality.

Characteristics of Soil Mites Communities Structure under Vegetation Vertical Gradient in the Shibing World Natural Heritage Property, China

In montane environments, as elevation increases, the combination of hydrothermal factors changing and vegetation types changing can cause changes to the soil mite community. To reveal the influence of different vertical vegetation types on the structure and diversity of soil mite communities in the Shibing Karst World Natural Heritage Property, in September 2021, specimen collection and identification of soil mites were carried out under the four typical vegetation zones of coniferous broad-leaved mixed forests (CBF), evergreen broad-leaved forests (EBF), deciduous broad-leaved forests (DBF), and river beach scrubs (RBS) in the Heritage Property. This occurred in order to analyze the community structure of soil mites. A total of 10,563 soil mites were captured in this region, belonging to 3 orders, 67 families, 137 genera; Perscheloribates and Scheloribates are the dominant groups in the area. The number of soil mite genera (CBF > EBF > DBF > RBS) and the number of individuals (RBS > DBF > CBF > EBF) differed between vegetation types. The dominant soil mite genera were not entirely consistent, with the highest values for each soil mite community diversity parameter being in the EBF habitat. The number of soil mite genera and individuals differed among vegetation types in different soil layers. It showed an apparent aggregation towards the surface layer, with complex diversity and richness indices changes. The highest community similarity indices were found between CBF and DBF, which were moderately similar. The cluster analysis results further showed that soil mite communities differed in different vegetation zones and among the same vegetation zones. The predatory gamasid mite structure is mainly r-selective. The ecological groups of oribatid mites are all O-type in the number of groups and P-type in the number of individuals. Lasiobelba, Nanhermannia, Tectocepheus, and Mochlozetes, among others, represent the group of nutrient functions that make up the soil mites in the study area. The study shows that the soil mite community of the Shibing Karst World Natural Heritage Property is rich in groups and shows gradient differences with the vegetation spectrum, and based on the unique subtropical canyon karst habitat of the Heritage Property, the community structure of soil mites will be in the process of adaptation and dynamic change, so long-term dynamic monitoring and in-depth study of the soil mites community structure of the Heritage Property are needed.

Effects of three typical grass cultivation patterns on the community structure of soil mites in rocky desertification control area, Guizhou, China ∗∗

Abstract The use of grass cultivation in the restoration of degraded ecosystems is widespread, in order to reveal the effect of different grass cultivation patterns on the community structure of soil mites in the integrated management area of rocky desertification. In April and July 2021, a total of 2782 soil mites belonging to 3 orders, 42 families, and 73 genera were captured from three typical grass cultivation, Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata and Trifolium repens, and the traditional Zea mays as a control sample, in the integrated management area of potential-light rocky desertification in the karst plateau mountains of Salaxi, Guizhou Province. The soil mite community structure was analyzed using number of taxa (genera), number of individuals, diversity index, community similarity index, MI index of predatory mites, and MGP analysis of oribatid mite ecological taxa. The results showed that: (1) The summer has a more prosperous composition and diversity of soil mites across habitats, while the dominant genera of soil mites show a differential distribution across habitats; the number of soil mite genera, individuals and individual densities was significantly higher in the three grass cultivation habitats than the Zea mays habitat, and surface aggregation of soil mites is more pronounced. (2) There were differences in soil mite community structure among the three grass cultivation patterns, with a regularity of Lolium perenne > Dactylis glomerata > Trifolium repens in the composition of soil mites genera and the number of individuals, and the proportion of shared genera was not high. (3) The diversity of soil mites varied according to the environment and season, with the highest diversity of soil mites in Lolium perenne habitats; both the community similarity analysis and the CCA analysis showed that Lolium perenne and Dactylis glomerata habitats had the highest similarity of soil mite communities (4) Predatory mites were dominated by r-selective ecotypes, and oribatida were dominated by O and P type ecotypes under the three habitat patterns. (5) Soil nutrient conditions were more favorable in Trifolium repens habitats, while soil water content was higher in Dactylis glomerata environment, and correlation analysis indicated that TK was a key environmental factor influencing soil mite community composition and diversity. Based on the above results, it is further elaborated that the artificial grass restoration model not only improves the nutrient supply of soil N, P, and K but also significantly increases the composition and diversity of soil mite species, which is beneficial to the restoration of soil mite communities and is very helpful in terms of achieving self-sustainability and restoration of soil functions in rocky desertification areas.

Temperature and precipitation affect seasonal changes in mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata) in decomposing litter of broadleaved and coniferous temperate tree species

Key messageWe identified the effect of microclimatic conditions on soil mite communities (Mesostigmata) during the decomposition of broadleaved and coniferous litter. The abundance, species richness, and diversity of mite communities decreased from spring to autumn regardless of litter quality and was related to changes in temperature and precipitation.ContextLitter decomposition is one of the fundamental soil-supporting processes in terrestrial ecosystems. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on some general patterns of the relationships between litter quality (tree species), microclimate, and structure of soil mite assemblages.AimsThe study aimed to analyze the impact of climatic conditions (temperature and precipitation) on mesostigmatid mite communities in the litter of 11 tree species through the vegetation season.MethodsThe experiment tested litter decomposition of 11 different tree species (693 litterbags), for seven consecutive months (April-October) under homogenous Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) canopy monocultures in common garden conditions. Soil mites were extracted in Tullgren funnels.ResultsMesostigmatid mite abundance was positively correlated with the temperature of the sampling month and negatively with the temperature of the previous month. Species richness depended on the sampling month temperature. Changes in litter mass loss in late autumn (after litterfall) and overwinter were important for colonization of litterbags by soil mesostigmatid mites in the following spring.ConclusionsChanges in climatic conditions, i.e., temperature and precipitation between the sampling months (during the following vegetation period), may cause significant changes in mesostigmatid mite abundance and thus may impact ecosystem functions. The winter period is important for mesostigmatid mite abundance in the following vegetation period.

Soil Mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) Communities and Their Relationships with Some Environmental Variables in Experimental Grasslands from Bucegi Mountains in Romania.

Simple SummaryGrasslands are critical from ecological and pastoral points of view, being defined by valuable species of plants and animals. One of the most important biological components is soil fauna, as soil mites. The objective of the present study was to study the relation between fertilised experimental grasslands and soil mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) fauna. In this context, the aims of the research were to investigate the structural differences between mite communities and some key environmental variables from in five fertilised plots, the correlations of these variables with mites, and the dispersal rates of these invertebrate communities between grasslands. The number of species and their abundances recorded the highest values in the reseeded grassland and the lowest in the control plot. An indicator species analysis identified characteristic species for each experimental plot. The structural differences of the mite communities between plots were due to the significant influences of environmental variables. Between the experimental grasslands dominated by the accessory and accidental species, the dispersal rate of the mite communities was higher, in comparison were populations characterised by the constant species. Controlled and rationale use of agrochemicals (organic and chemic), influenced positive the numerical abundance and species richness of the soil mite communities, improving the soil environmental conditions for these invertebrates.The main objective of the study was to analyse, for the first time in Romania, the relationships between five experimental grasslands and Mesostigmata fauna, considering: (1) the structural differences between mite communities; (2) the variations in some important abiotic factors (vegetation cover, soil temperature, soil moisture content, pH, soil resistance at penetration); and (3) the influence of these abiotic factors on the structures of Mesostigmata mite communities and the dispersal rates of these communities between the investigated plots. In total, 250 soil samples were analysed in July 2017, revealing the presence of 30 species, with 1163 individuals. Using the multivariate analysis, we observed that each experimental plot was defined by characteristic environmental conditions, i.e., vegetation cover, soil moisture content, and soil temperature differed significantly between the experimental grasslands. Each experimental plot was characterised by a specific indicator species and population parameters (numerical abundance and species richness). The effects of these soil variables were even demonstrated at species level: Veigaia planicola, Geolaelaps nolli, and Gamasellodes insignis were influenced by vegetation cover, Lysigamasus conus and Dendrolaelaps foveolatus by soil temperature. The dispersal rates of mite communities from one plot to another were higher in the grasslands, where there were euconstant–constant species.

Spatial distribution pattern of soil mite community and body size in wheat- maize rotation farmland

Spatial distribution pattern of soil mite community and body size in wheat- maize rotation farmland

Ecological assessment of soil mite communities in diverse fodder production systems of semi–arid central India

The agrarian community of North West region of Bundelkhand in Central India is mainly dependent on livestock rearing and related activities. In order to support the livestock-based economy of the area, a number of fodder and pasture development schemes are promoted by government of India. The hypothesis is that various such systems due to change in land management and vegetation pattern; may affect soil structure and native soil biota. This study presents ecological assessment of soil mite communities in selected fodder production systems in this geographical region. Mites, the most diversified among soil biota are considered effective bio-indicators of soil conditions. So, in this study, their community structure, seasonal abundance were closely monitored and analyzed in different fodder-based land utilization schemes viz., natural grasslands, cultivated pastures (Cenchrus ciliaris + Stylosanthes hamata), pure tree stands of Albizia amara, silvipstures (tree + grass) and fodder crop cultivation. Mites were represented by 44 families under 4 suborders. Most dominant groups (families) observed were Tarsenomidae,Caligonellidae, Gamasellus,Dermanyssoidea, Scheloribetidae, Epilohmanniidae, Oppiidae, Galumnidae, Perlohmanniidae, Orobatulidae and Hydrozetidae. Peak population buildup was recorded in the month of August. Diversity was low in annual fodder cultivation system and bare land situations. Perennial fodder production systems namely, open tree stand of Albizia amara, natural grassland, improved pastures and silvipasture systems supported higher diversity of mite fauna. Greater soil mite diversity in such carefully designed perennial systems indicate that such systems might ecologically sound and would achieve long term fodder sustainability for the region.

Soil mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata) as indicators of urban ecosystems in Bucharest, Romania

The aim of the present study was to establish the effect of management type and of environmental variables on the structure, abundance and species richness of soil mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in twelve urban green areas in Bucharest-Romania. Three categories of ecosystem based upon management type were investigated: protected area, managed (metropolitan, municipal and district parks) and unmanaged urban areas. The environmental variables which were analysed were: soil and air temperature, soil moisture and atmospheric humidity, soil pH and soil penetration resistance. In June 2017, 480 soil samples were taken, using MacFadyen soil core. The same number of measures was made for quantification of environmental variables. Considering these, we observed that soil temperature, air temperature, air humidity and soil penetration resistance differed significantly between all three types of managed urban green area. All investigated environmental variables, especially soil pH, were significantly related to community assemblage. Analysing the entire Mesostigmata community, 68 species were identified, with 790 individuals and 49 immatures. In order to highlight the response of the soil mite communities to the urban conditions, Shannon, dominance, equitability and soil maturity indices were quantified. With one exception (numerical abundance), these indices recorded higher values in unmanaged green areas compared to managed ecosystems. The same trend was observed between different types of managed green areas, with metropolitan parks having a richer acarological fauna than the municipal or district parks.

Soil near mature oaks is refugium for soil mites (Acari, Mesostigmata) in managed forests

ABSTRACT Forests create harbour different soil mite communities due to their high spatial heterogeneity, within which microhabitats become biodiversity hotspots or refugia. This study aimed to characterize and contrast the mesostigmatid mite communities in the vicinity of two such microhabitats: growing trees and decayed clear-cut stumps in comparison to the general soil matrix. Studies were conducted in mature, managed oak (Quercus robur L.) Experimental Forests near Kórnik (Central Poland). Samples of soil with litter were collected from three forest floor microhabitats: near stumps (distance<10 cm), near growing trees (distance<10 cm), and the soil matrix (distance from tree or stump >3 m). Soil environment was characterized by bulk density, actual soil moisture, pH of soil and litter, total carbon and nitrogen, C to N ratio, and soil organic matter. Mite abundance was greatest in soil near growing trees, and was also affected by bulk density and soil pH. Soil characteristics affected neither species richness nor diversity. Species richness was the highest near stump (30 species), but similar richness occurred near (25) and away (26) from growing trees (25). Overall, both living trees and stumps harboured a different community compared to the soil matrix and living trees especially maintain populations of soil mites in oak forests.

Soil mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata, Oribatida) as bioindicators for environmental conditions from polluted soils

An anthropic ecosystem from Romania was investigated from acarological, vegetation and chemical point of view. The community structures of two groups of mites were studied (Acari: Mesostigmata, Oribatida) from a tailing pond, using transect method, in correlation with concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cu, Pb, Ni, Mn and Zn), with abiotic factors (altitude, aspect, soil temperature, soil humidity, soil pH) and biotic factor (vegetation coverage). Taking into account the mite communities, in total, 30 mite species were identified, with 1009 individuals and 18 immatures (10 species with 59 individuals, 5 immatures of Mesostigmata and 20 species with 950 individuals, 13 immatures of Oribatida). The investigated habitats from the tailing pond were grouped in five transects, with different degree of pollution, based on total metal loads. Taking into account of the connection between mites communities, abiotic factors and heavy metals, each transect were characterized through specific relationship. Using multivariate statistical analysis, we revealed that the occurrence of some Oribatida species was strongly correlated with vegetation coverage, soil pH and soil humidity, though concentrations of Cu, As, Mn, Ni and Zn also had an influence. Pb and Zn concentrations were shown to influence the occurrence of Mesostigmata mites. The heterogeneity of mites species richness at 2 m2 scale was correlated with a metric related to the heterogeneity of heavy metals at the same scale.