Effects of a mulch layer on the assemblage and abundance of mesostigmatan mites and other arthropods in the soil of a sugarcane agro-ecosystem in Australia

Mathew R Manwaring; Helen M Wallace; Haylee J Weaver

doi:10.1007/s10493-018-0227-1

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Effects of a mulch layer on the assemblage and abundance of mesostigmatan mites and other arthropods in the soil of a sugarcane agro-ecosystem in Australia

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Effects of a mulch layer on the assemblage and abundance of mesostigmatan mites and other arthropods in the soil of a sugarcane agro-ecosystem in Australia

Mathew R Manwaring, Helen M Wallace and Haylee J Weaver

Experimental and Applied Acarology, Vol.74(3), pp.291-300

2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-018-0227-1

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Abstract

soil

sugarcane

mesostigmata

mulch

acari

biodiversity

Sugarcane farmers can utilise a soil conservation technique called green cane trash blanketing, a form of mulching that can increase plant productivity through a number of channels, e.g., via altering soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics, and influence soil arthropod assemblages. Predatory mites (Mesostigmata) are important components of soil communities because they can control populations of other soil-dwelling pest species. Our aim was to characterise mulch-influenced predatory Mesostigmata community assemblages in sugarcane soils in Queensland, Australia. We found that application of a mulch layer significantly increased the abundance of Mesostigmata, and oribatid mites and collembolans, in soils. Furthermore, we observed that the assemblages of Mesostigmata in soil covered by mulch were significantly different to those in bare soil; and the assemblages of Mesostigmata changed over time. The assemblages of Mesostigmata, but not Oribatida or collembolans, were significantly different in soil under mulch depending on whether the mulch was freshly laid, or decomposing. Our results show that the use of mulch, specifically the green cane trash blanket, can increase overall microarthropod abundance including Mesostigmata. This is likely due to increased habitat complexity and changing resource availability.

Details

Title: Effects of a mulch layer on the assemblage and abundance of mesostigmatan mites and other arthropods in the soil of a sugarcane agro-ecosystem in Australia
Authors: Mathew R Manwaring (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Helen M Wallace (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Haylee J Weaver (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: Experimental and Applied Acarology, Vol.74(3), pp.291-300
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Date published: 2018
DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0227-1
ISSN: 0168-8162
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451101802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Entomology

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