Collembolan response to experimental perturbations of litter supply in a temperate forest ecosystem
Résumé
Litter and soil communities of Collembola (Insecta, Apterygota) in a mixed deciduous forest in France were studied for four years after experimental litter removal and doubling. Total abundance was unaffected by these two treatments but substantial changes in species composition occurred at the soil surface. Epigeic groups (Entomobryoidea, Symphypleona) almost disappeared in the no-litter treatment, except for the genus Sminthurides whose abundance increased after litter disappearance. Doubling of litter had no significant effect on the Collembola abundance. Relative influences of shifts in habitat structure and food resources are discussed, together with a comparison between macrofaunal and mesofaunal responses to litter manipulations.
Domaines
Science des sols
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)
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