Edaphic mesofauna parameters as soil quality indicators in agroecosystems of wet pampa, Argentina

BEDANO, J.C.

Lille, Francia

Congreso; SETAC 15th Annual Meeting, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.; 2005

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

Intensification of agricultural practices is leading to an increased rate of severe soil degradation in the central area of Argentina. There is a need to obtain information about how soil is being altered for those practices. Since 1990 the INCA-Soil Group (UNRC) is carrying out a program with the goal of develop practical tools for the soil quality and sustainability evaluation. In this framework we evaluate biological parameters of edaphic mites, springtails and myriapods communities as potential biological indicators of soils degradation as a consequence of intensive agricultural practices in agroecosystems of the wet Pampa (southern Córdoba, Argentina). Four management systems were selected, a natural soil used as reference condition, an agricultural, a cattle, and a mixed system. Samplings were carried out from 1999 until 2001. Sixty-seven biological parameters were calculated to be tested as potential soil quality bioindicators, classified as parameters at species level, higher hierarchy taxonomic groups, life-history traits, community level and multivariate statistical analyses. Considering the plot management and the abiotic soil characteristics, a gradient of increasing soil degradation was evident from the natural system towards the cattle and mixed systems, to the agricultural system. The response of some parameters (e.g. Oribatids/Astigmatid+Prostigmatid mites or predatory Prostigmatid/ Prostigmatid ratio) to the management gradient allowed to establish clear differences between the systems. This parameters were considered core indicators because they clearly discriminate between different conditions of soil quality. Some parameters proofed to be useful practical tools for soil quality monitoring in time. The indicators constitute an useful tool for the relevant authorities for taking decisions on scientific bases in environmental and territorial planning.