ABUNDANCE OF FIVE DIFFERENT SOIL ARTHROPOD GROUPS IN CENTRAL JAVA IN RELATION TO CHEMICAL FACTORS

Abstract

This study was aimed at revealing relationships between abundances of Acarina, Coleoptera, Collembola, Diplopoda, Isopoda and various soil chemical factors (C, N, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Na concentrations, litter density and pH). Seven different forest sites distributed over Central Java (Indonesia) were sampled and soil fauna was extracted using Tullgren equipment. In addition, one of the sites was investigated in more detail during one year. The results demonstrated significant changes of both soil fauna and litter chemistry with the seasons. Most animal groups showed highest abundance in the wet season (October-March). Changes of Fe, Ca and C:N ratio with time may depend on leaf fall patterns and subsequent decomposition flushes. The comparison of sites revealed significant differences in both soil fauna and soil chemistry. One of the sites had exceptionally high abundance of soil fauna. The comparison of sites revealed some significant correlations between fauna and chemistry (Diploposa with Na, Zn and C, Isoposa with Na), but no consistent pattern emerged. It is concluded that the high abundance of soil fauna at one of the site was related to the microhabitat created by extensive formation of surface stolons of Eupatorium riparium, rather than by litter chemistry.