The role of Collembola for litter decomposition under minimum and conventional tillage

Abstract

Background The role of soil mesofauna in decomposition processes still is debated and this applies in particular to arable systems. Aim This study investigates the role of Collembola in decomposition processes of crop residues in two different tillage systems. Methods We conducted a litterbag experiment in a long‐term field site in Germany managed by conventional tillage (CT; mouldboard ploughing) and minimum tillage (MT). Litterbags filled with maize leaf litter of two mesh sizes (2 mm and 48 μm) were used. Litterbags were buried at 23 cm (CT) and 5–8 cm (MT), and retrieved after 2, 5 and 7 months. Litter mass, concentrations of carbon and nitrogen, litter C/N ratio as well as the abundance and community structure of Collembola and the incorporation of maize‐derived carbon into Collembola were investigated. Results Mesofauna enhanced the loss of litter carbon, while litter mass loss was reduced. Litter C/N ratio in MT was generally lower than that in CT and decreased faster in litterbags with coarse mesh size. Abundance of Collembola in litterbags in CT exceeded that in MT, but species composition remained unaffected by tillage. Overall, Collembola effectively colonised the litter irrespective of tillage system, but benefited in particular from translocation deeper into the soil by conventional tillage. Conclusions Mesofauna accelerates litter carbon loss and increases litter nitrogen accumulation irrespective of tillage system. This may reduce nitrogen losses due to leaching in winter and facilitate nitrogen capture from decomposing litter material by crops in the following season, thereby contributing to the sustainable management of arable systems.

Conceptualizing soil fauna effects on labile and stabilized soil organic matter

“…However, much less is known about the relevance of bioturbation by those groups. For example, woodlice, millipedes, and springtails can significantly increase litter decomposition across litter species [152][153][154][155][156][157][158][159][160][161][162] . Recent evidence also suggests that invertebrates (and vertebrates) contribute globally to deadwood decay 163 .…”

Invertebrate communities (Collembola and Acari) in soil cover treatments for mine tailings in a long‐term field experiment

“…Alternatively, a faster development of vegetation, resulting in higher C and N input, increases microbial biomass and cellulose decomposition in rehabilitated mines (Helingerová et al, 2010). Soil mesofauna stimulates the transport of N into litter, thereby decreasing the litter C/N ratio, which is likely to speed up nutrient turnover and contribute to the fertility and productivity of the soils even if affecting decomposition rate only little (Hanisch et al, 2022). It is hypothesized that a similar mechanism could be behind the decomposition rate in the present research.…”