A comparison of pitfall traps and hand-picking techniques for studying macroathropods abundance in vegetable plots and the influence of abiotic factors on their abundance in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil macroarthropods are important components that sustain the health and quality of agro-ecosystems for improved agricultural productions though are influenced by abiotic components of the environment. Macroarthropod collections vary across traps due to the fact that some traps can stand for a long time while others such as handpicking cannot. However, traps may be used as a rapid assessment tool to generate checklists for macroarthropod species present in an area within a very short time. To this end, a study on the comparison of pitfall traps and hand-picking techniques for studying macroathropods abundance in vegetable plots and the influence of abiotic factors (temperature and pH) on their abundance in Jos, Nigeria was carried out from August to October, 2014. Pitfall traps and hand-picking techniques were used to collect macroarthropods from six different vegetable plots in three selected villages in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Soil temperature was recorded in the field while soil samples were obtained from a 7.5 cm depth for measurement of soil pH in the laboratory. A total of 3,346 macroarthropods were collected and pitfall traps had 2,780 (83.08%) while handpicking technique recorded 566 (16.92%). There was a significant difference (P = 0.0076) in the mean abundance of macroarthropods between sampling techniques. Macroarthropods abundance and species richness in relation to vegetable plots varied significantly (P < 0.0001). There was a positive association between pH and macroarthropod abundance (r = 0.13) while temperature did not influence the abundance (r = -0.08). Although, pitfall trap is a passive collector of macroarthropods, it is still a more efficient and preferred sampling techniques for ground crawling arthropods. Farmers should ensure that their soil pH is well maintained at alkaline level so as to influence macroathropods abundance in vegetable plots and ensure robust productivity.

Abundance and Diversity of Soil Macroarthropods in Qena Governorate, Upper Egypt

“…Chilopoda had the lowest level of dominance, as indicated by its total density accounting for only 0.26%. This finding aligns with the observations made by Ramzy (2015) in Assiut Governorate and Ishaya et al, (2019) in Nigeria. In the realm of Chilopoda, the species Lithobius sp.…”

“…Ombugadu et al, (2017) demonstrated that catches by pitfall traps may be influenced by timing and placement of the traps. Ishaya et al, (2018) stated that the high variation between a pitfall and hand-picking techniques in favour of pitfall may probably be connected with the time the traps were left to stand. It may also be due to that the trap works throughout the time it stands, the number of catches may exceed that of the handpicking or it may possibly be that some of the soil macroarthropods are more active at night when it is difficult for them to detect the traps.…”

“…Also, several studies have been conducted in different regions throughout the world. Liu (2013) conducted research in China, Ramzy (2015) focused on Assiut Governorate in Egypt, Hamdy, et al, (2017) investigated the Suez Canal region in Egypt, Zodinpuii et al, (2019) conducted their study in India, López et al, (2019) focused on Mexico, Ishaya et al, (2019) conducted research in Nigeria, and Ghiglieno (2020) conducted a study in Italy. The analysis revealed a notable rise in insect density, making class Insecta the most diverse among all animal groups (Ishaya, 2019).…”

“…Liu (2013) conducted research in China, Ramzy (2015) focused on Assiut Governorate in Egypt, Hamdy, et al, (2017) investigated the Suez Canal region in Egypt, Zodinpuii et al, (2019) conducted their study in India, López et al, (2019) focused on Mexico, Ishaya et al, (2019) conducted research in Nigeria, and Ghiglieno (2020) conducted a study in Italy. The analysis revealed a notable rise in insect density, making class Insecta the most diverse among all animal groups (Ishaya, 2019). Blower & Wallwork (1971) indicated that Arthropoda was a group of soil animals, which generally showed the highest dominance among the organisms making up the community.…”

“…Soil macroarthropods refer to soil-dwelling organisms of sufficient size to be individually examined as indicated by Callaham et al, (2012). The category of macroarthropods encompasses several organisms such as millipedes, centipedes, numerous insect orders, certain crustaceans, and arachnids (Ishaya, 2019). Although certain types of soil macroarthropods are commonly regarded as pests (Jackson and Klein, 2006;Doğramaci and Tingey, 2009), they also play a crucial role in enhancing ecosystem processes through their substantial impact on the soil environment (Lavelle, 1997;Wolters, 2000).…”