Community Ecology of Soil Fauna Under Periodically Flooded Forest and Anthropic Fields

Abstract

The study evaluated the ecology of soil invertebrate faunal communities in periodically flooded forest (CF) fragments and anthropic fields (AF) in the Atlantic Forest. The sampling occurred in the rainy and dry seasons using pitfall traps. We estimated the total activity, richness, diversity, and evenness as well as the activity of the taxonomic and functional groups. Total activity and richness varied as a function of seasonality. Entomobryomorpha, Poduromorpha, and Symphypleona were the most representative taxonomic groups. Enchytraeidae and Blattaria were exclusive to CF. Auchenorrhyncha, Chilopoda, Heteroptera, and Thysanoptera were exclusive to AF. The functional group of microphagous/saprophagous (M/S) showed the highest activity, independent of the environment and season. Greater dissimilarity was observed among the invertebrate fauna in AF when compared to CF. Periodically flooded areas favored groups from the saprophagous trophic guild, while AF areas favored predator and herbivore groups. Soil fauna present in forest environments presented less seasonal variability.

Mixed Forest of Larix principis-rupprechtii and Betula platyphylla Modulating Soil Fauna Diversity and Improving Faunal Effect on Litter Decomposition

“…The density and group number of saprophytic soil faunas are more prominent in the forests with high canopy density, moist soil, and rich litters [10]. Santos [11] found that periodically flooded forests favored groups from the saprophagous groups, while fragments and anthropic fields in the Atlantic Forest favored predator and herbivore groups, reflecting the predominant functional groups in the two different understory microhabitats. The proportions of functional groups are important biological indices to measure ecosystem function and soil fertility.…”

Diversity Loss of Epigeic Collembola after Grassland Conversion into Eucalyptus Forestry in Brazilian Pampa Domain

“…As they are very diverse and belong to several functional groups, soil fauna can directly influence ecological functions, such as: biological control (predators, herbivores, parasites), soil decomposition and fertility (decomposers, fungivores), water regulation and soil formation (ecosystem engineers) [21][22][23][24]. Moreover, the diversity within each functional group strongly affects important ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling, pest control, and primary productivity [25][26][27][28][29]. Springtails (Collembola) are among the most common, widespread and abundant forms of soil decomposers [30].…”