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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.
Soil Environment and Fauna Communities in Europe after Afforestation of Post-Agricultural Lands - A Review
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.