Impact of land use history and soil properties on soil mite communities (Acari, Mesostigmata) inhabiting stands growing on post‐agricultural land

• DOI: 10.1002/ldr.5020
• Publication Date: 2024-01-03T05:09:28Z
• Authors: Jacek Malica; Grzegorz Rączka; Krzysztof Turczański; Agnieszka Andrzej...; Maciej Skorupski; Cezary K. Urbanowski; Jacek Kamczyc
• Keywords: Mesostigmata

Abstract Decades of agriculture in a former—type ecosystem, for example, deciduous forests—result 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 horizons. It may impact fauna communities, including mites from Mesostigmata order (Mesostigmata = Gamasida). Due their sensitivity, mesostigmatid are good bioindicators changes soil. A decrease density, richness, diversity indicates disturbances environment confirm agricultural practice on environment. Our research aim was examine properties land use history mite communities stands growing forest post‐agricultural lands. These sites were afforested with different ( Betula pendula Roth., Fagus sylvatica L., Pinus sylvestris Quercus robur L.). Thus, 21 plots established land, each rusty soils considered be one most common Central European forests. We collected total 567 samples during three sampling sessions spring autumn investigation. also described profile plot litter measure pH, thickness, organic matter, bulk moisture, carbon, elements content. study revealed that 16 out 30 environmental parameters differed between types. 1355 classified into 58 taxa (50 8 genera). numerous Veigaia nemorensis (165 ind.; 12.2% all mites), Zercon peltatus (156; 11.5%), Paragamasus conus (141; 10.4%). highest abundance recorded birch whereas lowest oak land. Interestingly, we both (forest land) Furthermore, our showed Na content affected abundance, communities. Species richness additionally by species, is, pine oak. indicated long‐term negatively 20 years after afforestation.