Association of soil mesofauna with litter decomposition

Abstract

Soil fauna are considered as soil bioengineers because they feed on plant debris, reduce its mass and expose broken litter surfaces to increased rate of nutrient release and improve soil fertility. Therefore, the association of soil mesofauna with decomposition of crop debris (Vigna radiata- stem, V. radiata- root, Cuminum cyminum- stem, C. cyminum- root) has been investigated. The litters were buried in nylon mesh at 5 and 0 cm depth. The density of soil mesofauna associated with decomposing litter bags was analyzed. The population of Acari and other soil arthropods recovered from litter bags was highest with V. radiata- stem litter type and lowest with C. cyminum- root. These groups of soil fauna showed highest population ratio in V. radiata- stem decomposing in soil in comparison to V. radiata- root, C. cyminum- stem and C. cyminum- root at both depths. The population ratios of acarines were highest, however, that of other soil arthropods were lowest in all decomposing litters of roots and stems. The participation of oribatids in litter decomposition was highest in comparison to other soil arthropods. The present investigations clearly demonstrated the association of soil mesofauna with decomposing crop litters. Therefore, soil mesofauna may be used for management of organic waste resources in desert.Additional keywords: crop litter; oribatids.