Differences in collembola species assemblages (Arthropoda) between spoil tips and surrounding environments are dependent on vegetation development

Abstract

Spoil tip production is one of the most extreme means of soil destruction, replacing the native soil with a coarse substrate. In this paper, we aim to determine the colonization of soil biota in new substrates, using collembola assemblages as an indicator. In Northern France, we sampled collembola communities in 11 coal mine spoil tips and their surroundings divided in four stages of vegetation development: bare soil, meadow, shrub and tree covers. We demonstrated that collembola assemblages of spoil tips were different from those observed in the surrounding native soil. Collembola communities on bare soil were characterized by pioneer (based on the Indval index) or exotic species (new in Northern France). However, homogenization occurred with development of vegetation cover. Indeed, our data showed no difference in springtail diversity between spoil tips and their corresponding environments regarding the tree vegetation cover. Using the Indval method, we defined pioneer, colonizing, opportunist or stenoecious species as a function of substrate affinities. Using the same method, we defined specialists, elective, preferring or indifferent species as a function of vegetation cover affinities, showing similarities with previously published surveys. Hence, our results were obtained by a focused analysis of species and their particularity. Finally, we discussed the interest in and the complementarity between the species analysis approach and the methodology dealing with functional traits and of its importance in the decision process of restoration and/or conservation of nature.

Collembola communities and soil conditions in forest plantations established in an intensively managed agricultural area

“…In the two studied plantations (LP, OP), only a few forest species were recorded, while some species characteristic to open habitats are still present. Among the species observed in the plantations, Neanura muscorum, Ceratophysella luteospina, Entomobrya muscorum, Folsomia quadrioculata, Isotomiella minor, and Megalothorax minimus can be considered as forest specialist or forest-preferring species (Auclerc et al 2009;Vanhée and Devigne 2018). Interestingly, the last species, Megalothorax minimus, is present in both plantations, despite the species' poor dispersal ability as described by Ponge et al (2006).…”

“…The relatively young age of the plantations is also reflected in the dominance structure of the Collembola communities. In younger stages, the number of the non-abundant rare and accessorial species is usually lower, while distinct eudominance of singular species is often observable (Trojan et al 1994;Vanhée and Devigne 2018) and well emphasized by the higher values of the community dominance index (CDI) in the plantations compared with the control oldgrowth relict forest.…”

Effect of Long-Term Soil Management Practices on Tree Growth, Yield and Soil Biodiversity in a High-Density Olive Agro-Ecosystem

“…Their functional role can impact on the assemblages of organisms at a lower level of the food web (saprophages, mycophages and fluid feeders) and contribute to suppress some potential pests. According to Vanhée and Devigne [77], both substratus management and vegetation cover strongly impact the collembola assemblages, especially the abundance of epedaphic groups, such as Enthomobryomorpha.…”

Early colonization of constructed technosol by microarthropods

“…Mesaphorura sp.) also showed fast colonization Vanhée and Devigne, 2018). Other unknown factors would seem to play a role in Collembola dispersal mechanisms.…”