Impact of Collembola and Enchytraeidae on soil surface roughness and properties

Abstract

The aim of the study was to quantify the alteration of soil surface roughness caused by the casting activity of mesofauna. Undisturbed soil monoliths with a surface area of 5000mm² were taken from the upper 4cm of the Ap-horizon in agricultural land. Two tillage systems were studied: conventional tillage (CT) and conservation tillage (CS). The sampling plots were mechanically compacted by wheeling with graded loads. Sampling occurred in spring after compaction and before seeding. The soil monoliths were defaunated before inoculating one half of the monoliths with 150 individuals of Collembola (Folsomia candida) and the other half with 100 individuals of Enchytraeidae (90% Enchytraeus minutus and 10% E. lacteus). Soil surface roughness was measured using a noncontact laser scanner: before inoculation and 6 months later. Photographs show the soil surface covered with casts. Results from laser scanning show that in most cases the surface roughness increased due to mesofaunal activity. However, roughness decreased when cracks were filled with casts. The casting activity and surface roughness changes are highest in uncompacted soil. A high degree of soil compaction significantly reduced the activity at the surface. In most cases the soil surface is more altered in CT than in CS. When the content of carbon and nitrogen were determined, both elements were accumulated in the casts but more by Collembola than Enchytraeidae. The results are discussed in the context of the hemiedaphic (F. candida) and the euedaphic (Enchytraeus spp.) mode of living.