Effects of Artificial Acidification on Soil Fauna and Decomposition Rate

1989

S. 77-82

1 Abb., 2 Tab., 21 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200037870

The effect of soil pH on the soil fauna was studied in three different ways: 1) Field experiments in coniferous forest with application of artificial acid rain, 2) Laboratory studies where animals were allowed til colonize sterile soil samples which had been adjusted to different pH-levels, and 3) Studies of soil animal communities in natural soils of differnt pH. Allstudies point to the same conclusion: Soil pH is an important factor for the fauna, and we can predict that populations change in many species when soil acidity is significantly changed. Most soil animals are reduced in abundance when soil pH is severely reduced, while some mites (Acari) and springtails (Collembola) are good competitors at low pH and may increase their abundance. The mechanisms for these changs are not understodd. In most experiments where soil acidity has been artificially increased, the decomposition rate of forest litter has been reduced.