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Soil mite communities (Acari, Mesostigmata) in pure stands on post-agricultural lands: does season matter?
AbstractPost-agricultural land differs from typical forest land in physical, chemical and biological features. In addition, the environment of this land type is determined, among other things, by the introduced tree species. These differences may be revealed by the biodiversity and abundance of the soil fauna. We analysed the abundance, species richness and diversity of different instars of mesostigmatid mites inhabiting three different habitat types on post-agricultural land (shaped by pure Pinus sylvestris L., Tilia cordata Mill. and Betula pendula Roth stands). We collected 288 soil samples from eight plots in three stands. The collection was conducted in July and October in two consecutive vegetation seasons (2021 and 2022) for Mesostigmata mites community. Soil characteristics (determination of soil group and analysis of physical and chemical properties of soil and litter) were done in July 2021. In total, 399 individuals (266 females, 50 males and 83 juveniles) were classified into 38 taxa (33 species, five genera). Most individuals belonged to the Parasitidae, Laelapidae and Veigaiidae families. The most abundant species were Hypoaspis aculeifer (Canestini) (21.6% of all recorded mites), Veigaia nemorensis (C.L.Koch) (7.8%) and Trachytes aegrota (C.L.Koch) (7.0%). Abundance, species richness and diversity were shaped by collection month and Fe content in soil. The abundance was influenced by N litter content and was significantly lower in P. sylvestris stand in July (0.57 ± 0.23; mean ± SE) than in P. sylvestris (2.17 ± 0.54) and T. cordata (2.15 ± 0.48) stands in October. Moreover, abundance in P. sylvestris stand in October was higher than in B. pendula stand in July (0.78 ± 0.26). Similarly, species richness was significantly lower in P. sylvestris stand in July than in P. sylvestris and T. cordata stands in October (2.17 ± 0.54 and 2.15 ± 0.48, respectively). Higher Shannon’s diversity of mite communities was reported in P. sylvestris stand in October (0.40 ± 0.10) than in P. sylvestris and B. pendula stands in July (0.12 ± 0.06 and 0.14 ± 0.08, respectively). Large fluctuations of abundance, species richness and diversity of soil mite communities in P. sylvestris and B. pendula stands between collection months give the insights for creating mixed stands on post-agricultural land. It is worth noticing that the wet season creates the most favourable living environment for mesostigmatid mites in P. sylvestris litter.
Climate and topography rather than tree species affect mite communities (Mesostigmata) in severe conditions - Studies from sandstone rocky islands of the Szczeliniec Wielki Plateau (Poland)
AbstractRelationships between certain plant species and soil fauna assemblages in severe climatic conditions require scientific attention due to reported climatic changes. We investigated density, diversity, and community structure of soil mites (Mesostigmata) in tree biogroups of Betula pendula, Picea abies, and Pinus sylvestris with microhabitats represented by Calluna vulgaris, Dicranum scoparium, Vaccinium myrtillus, and Vaccinium vitis‐idaea plant patches and accumulated litter in humid and cold rock crevices a few meters deep. We analyzed the effects of climatic (light availability, precipitation, temperature) and environmental (litter pH, organic matter thickness, microhabitat type) conditions on mite communities based on 1080 samples collected during two vegetation periods (2004–2005). Results revealed that litter pH was shaped by microhabitat type (plant patches and rock crevices) whereas organic matter thickness depended on tree species and microhabitat type. Also, light availability differed between tree biogroups and microhabitats. This study documented that Mesostigmata abundance was shaped by maximum daily temperature while species richness was also affected by total monthly precipitation, tree species (P. sylvestris) and microhabitat (rock crevices). Results revealed that mite density ranged from 3001 ± 213 ind./m2 in the P. abies biogroup to 3310 ± 350 ind./m2 in P. sylvestris. On the microhabitat level, mite density ranged from 2571 ± 170 ind./m2 in V. myrtillus patches to 4137 ± 463 ind./m2 in rock crevices. Total number of recorded species was highest in rock crevices (41 species), and lowest in C. vulgaris (19). In conclusion, results indicated that climatic conditions modulate mite communities on an isolated rocky island. This study documented that maximum daily temperature during the vegetation period affected Mesostigmata abundance, whereas species richness and diversity were also shaped by total monthly precipitation and tree species (P. sylvestris). In addition, the community was also affected by litter acidity, organic matter and tree species.
Soil mite communities structure (Acari, Mesostigmata) during litter decomposition of seven tree species in pure Scots pine stands (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing on a reclaimed post‐industrial area
AbstractOur knowledge about mites, including mesostigmatids, compared to their significant role in soil‐forming processes on post‐industrial areas, is currently insufficient. Therefore, our study aim was to analyze the succession of mesostigmatid communities in relation to litter decomposition of seven tree species [Acer pseudoplatanusL.,Alnus glutinosa(L.) Gaertn.,Fagus sylvaticaL.,Pinus sylvestrisL.,Prunus serotinaEhrh.,Quercus rubraL.,Robinia pseudoacaciaL.] in pure Scots pine stands growing on a reclaimed spoil heap. In December 2011, 1439 litterbags were placed on plots and collected after ca. 3, 6, 9, 13, 19, 25, 31, 37 months since the experiment started. In total, we recorded 9653 mites classified into 67 taxa. The mesostigmatid abundance was affected by percentage initial litter mass loss. Interestingly, litter type shaped species richness and diversity, but not abundance. The highest abundance, almost two‐times higher compared to other tree species, was recorded inPrunus serotinalitter (352.73 ± 105.22 ind.; calculated per 100 g of dry litter mass) and the lowest inQuercus rubra(81.23 ± 9.82 ind.). Furthermore, the lowest richness (2.39 ± 0.07; calculated per sample) and diversity (0.33 ± 0.02; calculated per sample) was recorded inPinus sylvestrislitter, therefore, our results are in contradiction to the home‐field advantage assumptions that the ‘home’ litter has a positive effect on soil fauna structure compared to the ‘foreign’ litter. Nevertheless, the greatest abundance share ofAsca bicornisandAmblyseius tubae, the most numerous species, was recorded forPinus sylvestrislitter.
Environmental role of different‐aged pine and oak stands growing on post‐agricultural and forest lands in forming the Mesostigmata mites communities
AbstractReclamation of agricultural soil and forest succession after afforestation proceeds slowly and at many levels. Therefore, the history of land use is recorded in the soil's physical, chemical and ecological parameters for many decades. This process depends on time and the form of afforestation, which primarily includes tree species. In our study, we analyzed differences in the physical and chemical characteristics of pine and oak stands on forest and post‐agricultural land at 22, 42 and 62 y/o. Our study revealed that 14 of 24 examined parameters (litter pH, soil pH, litter thickness, soil organic matter, Corg, bulk density, C/N ratio, soil moisture, soil K, Mg and Mn content, N and Ca litter content, Mg litter content) differed significantly among examined habitats (land use, stand age and tree species). We calculated the abundance, species richness and diversity of the mite communities (Acari, Mesostigmata) for each habitat type. In total, 6730 mites were classified into 72 taxa (60 species, 11 genera and one taxon as family). The highest abundance was recorded in 42 y/o. oak stands on post‐agricultural land, while the lowest is in 22 y/o. pine and oak stands on post‐agricultural land. The highest species richness and diversity were recorded in the oldest oak stand on post‐agricultural land. In contrast, the lowest diversity was recorded in the youngest oak and pine stands on post‐agricultural land. Our results demonstrate that the negative impact of the agricultural history of land use weakens over time and provides a better understanding of land use history on the relations between the soil environment and soil fauna, including mesostigmatid mite assemblages.
Soil Environment and Fauna Communities in Europe after Afforestation of Post-Agricultural Lands - A Review
Impact of land use history and soil properties on soil mite communities (Acari, Mesostigmata) inhabiting stands growing on post‐agricultural land
AbstractDecades of agriculture in a former—type of ecosystem, for example, deciduous forests—result in severe habitat degradation. The planted tree species encounter harsh conditions due to physically and chemically transformed soil environments. In addition, afforestation itself significantly modifies the upper soil horizons. It may impact the soil fauna communities, including mites from the Mesostigmata order (Mesostigmata = Gamasida). Due to their sensitivity, mesostigmatid mites are good bioindicators of changes in the soil. A decrease in the density, species richness, and diversity of mites indicates disturbances in the soil environment and may confirm the impact of agricultural practice on the soil environment. Our research aim was to examine the impact of soil properties and land use history on the mesostigmatid mite communities in stands growing on forest and post‐agricultural lands. These sites were afforested with different tree species (Betula pendula Roth., Fagus sylvatica L., Pinus sylvestris L., and Quercus robur L.). Thus, 21 research plots were established on forest and post‐agricultural land, each on rusty soils considered to be one of the most common in Central European forests. We collected a total of 567 soil samples during three sampling sessions in spring and autumn for soil Mesostigmata investigation. We also described the soil profile on each plot and collected soil and litter samples to measure pH, litter thickness, soil organic matter, bulk density, soil moisture, soil organic carbon, and elements content. Our study revealed that 16 out of 30 environmental parameters differed between habitat types. A total of 1355 mites were classified into 58 taxa (50 species and 8 genera). The most numerous species were Veigaia nemorensis (165 ind.; 12.2% of all mesostigmatid mites), Zercon peltatus (156; 11.5%), and Paragamasus conus (141; 10.4%). The highest abundance was recorded in birch stands on forest land, whereas the lowest abundance for oak stands growing on post‐agricultural land. Interestingly, in oak stands we recorded both the highest diversity of mite communities (forest land) and the lowest on post‐agricultural land. Furthermore, our study showed that post‐agricultural land and Na content in forest litter affected the abundance, species richness, and diversity of mesostigmatid mite communities. Species richness was additionally affected by tree species, that is, pine and oak. Our research indicated that long‐term agricultural practice negatively affected the density, species richness, and diversity of Mesostigmata communities 20 years after afforestation.
Do Forest Experience, Socialization and Demographic Characteristics Affect the Attitudes toward Hunting of Youths from Urban Areas?
Roe Deer Reproduction in Western Poland: The Late Autumn Rut Phenomenon
Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) populations in Poland are characterized by low productivity, which is why their reproductive potential was investigated. The presence of corpora lutea (CL) on the ovaries of females hunted in autumn and winter in the years 2015 and 2016 was assessed. Most animals were post-rut and most often had multiple ovulations. However, in early autumn 2015, 60% of the females had no CL. Therefore, they did not participate in mating at the turn of July/August. Those that did ovulate were found to have one CL. In late autumn, 97% of the females were post-rut, mostly with twin ovulations. This confirmed the occurrence of a late autumn rut. This phenomenon had been suggested in studies but not confirmed. In contrast, almost 100% of roe deer ovulated in summer in 2016. It was hypothesized that the reason for the low mating activity of roe deer in the summer of 2015 was heat stress and limited food resources. The summer was exceptionally hot, with many days in July and August when temperatures exceeded 30 °C. The heat combined with low rainfall led to extreme drought. Meanwhile, July and August are the months of mating activity for roe deer. The late autumn rut allowed the roe deer—a monoestrous species—to limit the consequences of a decrease in mating activity or fertility during the hot summer. Global warming may affect roe deer reproduction, so climatic conditions should be considered in population studies, not only in terms of food availability.
Factors shaping teenagers and young adults’ approach to hunting - a review of the literature
Hunting is an important element in the protection of the natural environment and biodiversity. Demographic changes and people’s distance from nature are causing society to polarize their perception of hunting. Some have ‘’Bambi Syndrome’’ and others so-called ‘’Nature Deficit disorder’’. Factors shaping attitude toward hunting are: sex, age and place of residence: girls and city based children are generally against hunting. Future of wildlife management models largely depends on the attitudes of people towards it in the coming decades. This attitudes are shaping by many different factors but it is lack of knowledge about it. For this purpose, the attitude of young people to hunting should be thoroughly and multidimensionally examined.
Effects of Humac and Alginite Fertilization on Mite Communities (Acari, Mesostigmata) Under Post-Agricultural Land Conditions
Afforestation of post-agricultural land is one of the most important challenges of modern forestry, posed by economic demand and climate protection. Unfortunately, stands introduced on such degraded soils are not sustainable and their productive value is limited. The present study tested the effects of two substances—Humac and Alginite—on the community structure of mesostigmatid mites colonizing plots overgrown by Platanus × acerifolia (Aiton) Willd, also comparing them with the mite communities of arable field and 64-year-old stands of Pinus sylvestris L. and Quercus robur L. growing on post-agricultural land. A total of 306 mite individuals were recorded, belonging to 45 taxa and 14 families. The results indicate a moderately positive effect of Humac fertilization on the mite communities studied. A similar impact has not been demonstrated for Alginite. In contrast, all parameters studied (density, species richness and diversity of mite communities) reached the highest values in the P. sylvestris stand. Humac application harmonizes Mesostigmata mite community structures between young and older stands and may be considered a beneficial practice for the afforestation of former agricultural land.
Diversity of plants, fungi, and invertebrates of yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton) experimental stands in Rogów Arboretum (Poland)
Betula alleghaniensis Britton, commonly known as yellow birch, occurs naturally in northeastern North America, particularly in the Appalachian and Great Lakes regions, where it is considered one of the most valuable hardwood species. In this study, conducted between 2007 and 2010, we assessed the diversity of vascular plants, mosses and liverworts, fungi, and invertebrates in two experimental stands of B. alleghaniensis established in the Rogów Arboretum (Poland), outside the species’ natural range. A total of 54 taxa of vascular plants, mosses, and liverworts, 39 taxa of fungi, and 108 taxa of invertebrates were recorded. The richest groups were insects (Collembola and Coleoptera), followed by nematodes and mites. Compared to reference oak-hornbeam forests (Tilio-Carpinetum), B. alleghaniensis stands hosted a slightly higher number of vascular plants and mosses (+4%), but substantially fewer fungi (−42%) and invertebrates (−33%). These results indicate that B. alleghaniensis supports distinct but less diverse soil and litter biota than native broadleaves tree species. The findings highlight the importance of tree species identity in shaping biodiversity patterns and provide a reference for future studies on non-native tree introductions in Central Europe.
Seasonal Variation in the Body Composition, Carcass Composition, and Offal Quality in the Wild Fallow Deer (Dama dama L.)
The goal of this study was to examine the seasonal variation in the body composition, carcass composition, and quality of edible internal organs from the fallow deer hunt-harvested in the summer (n = 9) and the winter (n = 10) seasons. The weight and proportion of the mesenteric and omental fat were greater for the animals harvested in the winter (1.12 kg and 2.75%) compared to those from the summer season (0.43 kg and 1.02%). The winter-harvested animals had more perinephric fat (0.75 kg and 1.84%) than those hunted in summer (0.26 kg and 1.84%). The gastrointestinal tract of the fallow deer hunted in summer was more filled with feed and therefore heavier (7.92 kg) compared to those from the winter season (5.16 kg). The proportion of fat was significantly greater in the carcasses obtained in winter compared to the summer season (6.55% vs. 3.79%). No seasonal variety was found in the physicochemical characteristics of the edible offal, but the content of extractable fat was significantly affected by the season. In conclusion, the effect of the season on the slaughter value of the hunt-harvested fallow deer was limited to a variation in the proportion of some of the internal organs and affected the fat deposition in the body of the examined animals. The season significantly affected the fat content in the carcass and the extractable fat content in the examined offal.
Plants, fungi, and invertebrates of Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) experimental stands in Rogów Arboretum (Poland)
Application of the tyraliera counting method to the large-scale inventory of red deer Cervus elaphus in the northern part of Western Pomerania, Poland
Game animal damage in the forests and fields of Central Europe, which dramatically increased at the turn of the 21st century, has undermined the reliability of the size of game population estimates. It is hypothesized that this problem can be attributed to errors in the assessment of animal density. This study conducted game inventories in a region characterized by a large ungulate population using a count method with drivers in line formation (direct counts in control plots). The size of the red deer population in the investigated area was estimated using generalized linear models assuming a negative binomial distribution based on the compound distribution (including the zero-inflated model). The mean red deer density in spring 2012 was 21.5 animals/km2 of forest. The number of red deer determined during this study is often higher that hunters indicated in annual game management plans. For the rational management of populations, it is therefore necessary to verify those estimates periodically, e.g. every five years. The statistical analysis of data from tyraliera method counts may show the actual population size during spring. Thus, it can be the basis for adequately planning hunting bags. Adjusting the population density to the carrying environmental capacity should make it possible to reduce the pressure of red deer on forests and agricultural land.
