Vertical distribution of edaphic oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) in two artificial forestations planted on temperate grasslands

LEVY, E.; ALVAREZ, M.F.; FREDES, N.

Soil Research

CSIRO Publishing

Año: 2024

1838-675X

Context: Oribatid mites are the most abundant taxon in forest soils that rely on porosity and organic matter availability. Exotic forests of Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus planted over native grasslands in the Pampas region have produced modification in soil properties, which can affect the composition and structure of native oribatids communities. Aims: To compare oribatid communities in soils under artificial woodlands of pine and eucalyptus and to assess the vertical distribution of oribatids in relation to edaphic variables. Methods: in each forest, oribatids were collected at three levels: litter layer, 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm of the A horizon. Edaphic variables measured were penetration resistance, bulk density, total porosity, pH and water content and luminosity at soil level. Density, species richness, diversity and evenness of oribatids were calculated in each level of each forest. Comparisons were made through multivariate analyses. Key results: Edaphic variables showed no significant differences between plots but litters were structurally different. Richness and diversity showed no differences between plots whereas evenness was significantly higher in plot P. Density had higher values in the litter layer of both forests. CAP analysis showed that Pine plots had a more defined vertical distribution. Conclusions: The structure and composition of litters promoted differences in the vertical distribution of oribatids: in Pinus, thick unaltered litter showed a marked vertical gradient of mites along levels while in Eucalyptus, thin and easily decomposing litter, showed no vertical patterns. Implications: Assessment and management of soil biodiversity in artificial woodlands.