Soil Meso-fauna in Two Microenvironments of a No-tillage Organic Farming Field

DOI JASI Web Site 16 References
  • FUJITA Masao
    International Nature Farming Research Center, Agricultural Experiment Station
  • FUJIYAMA Shizuo
    Environmental System Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shinshu University

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Other Title
  • 不耕起・有機農業畑の異なる微小環境内の中型土壌動物相

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Abstract

<p>The abundance and diversity of soil fauna are greater in no-tillage practices than in tillage practices under organic farming fields. Microenvironment of the no-tillage field consisted of two parts: areas cultivated for seeding and harvest (rows) and uncultivated areas (alleys). Enchytraeids and oribatids were investigated in the two kinds of microenvironments of a no-tillage organic farming field in order to examine whether or not these microenvironments act as different habitats for soil animals. Results showed that soil of the two areas differed in chemical features and in humidity that was higher and more stable in the alleys than in the rows. The faunal composition also differed between them. The abundance of enchytraeids and micro arthropods in the alleys was stable over the year, while that in the rows was variable. The oribatid assemblages between seasons were more similar in the alleys than in the rows. Therefore, it is concluded that the two microenvironments must be treated as different habitats for soil animals. The high abundance and density of soil fauna in no-tillage organic farming fields depends on the high abundance and stability of soil fauna in the alleys.</p>

Journal

  • Edaphologia

    Edaphologia 66 (0), 11-20, 2000

    The Japanese Society of Soil Zoology

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