Community structure of epigeic arthropods in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) soils

  • Vladimír Langraf Constantine the Philosopher University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Dept. of Zoology and Anthropology, Tr. A. Hlinku 1, 949 74 Nitra
  • Kornélia Petrovičová University of Agriculture, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources Slovak, Institute of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1581-2517
  • Janka Schlarmannová Constantine the Philosopher University, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Dept. of Zoology and Anthropology, Tr. A. Hlinku 1, 949 74 Nitra https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0730-6056
Keywords: epigeic groups, agrosystems, soil diversity, soil ecosystems, ecotone, Slovakia

Abstract

Aim of study: The study of epigeic arthropods provides information on how ecosystems respond to different management practices. Changes in the structure of epigeic groups reflect changes in the ecological status of habitats. We assessed the influence of semi-natural habitats and environmental variables on the dispersion of the epigeic groups.

Area of study: Southwestern part of Slovakia

Material and methods: Between 2018 and 2020, six barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) fields were selected each year. Five pitfall traps were placed on each field and environmental variables (soil pH and moisture, light conditions, soil N, P, K) were analysed. We collected 8,730 individuals belonging to 14 taxonomic groups. The variables of the study sites (habitat, locality name, cadastral area, altitude, coordinates of localities) were also analysed.

Main results: We observed a decrease in the average number of individuals in the direction from pitfall traps 1 (semi-natural areas) to 5 (barley crop) between July and August. The number of individuals was similar in May and June. The dispersion of epigeic arthropods was affected by soil moisture, pH soil, phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. In the beetles model group, which was represented by the highest number of individuals, we confirmed an increasing number of individuals with increasing values of K, P, N and soil moisture. The neutral pH of the soil was optimal for beetles.

Research highlights: The ecotone rule does not apply during all months, so we have contributed new information about the ecotone rule. Agricultural intensification affects soil arthropods, a taxonomic group with an important role in the functioning of agricultural ecosystems.

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Published
2021-11-30
How to Cite
Langraf, V., Petrovičová, K., & Schlarmannová, J. (2021). Community structure of epigeic arthropods in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) soils. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, 19(4), e0304. https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/2021194-18576
Section
Agricultural environment and ecology