Impact of cattle grazing on prostigmatid mite densities in grassland soils of southern interior British Columbia
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Authors: J. P. Battigelli, G. S. McIntyre, K. Broersma, and M. Krzic
Date: 2003
Journal: Canadian Journal of Soil Science
Volume: 83
Number: 5
Pages: 533-535
Summary of Methods: Effects of cattle grazing on the soil mesofauna community of southern interior British Columbia’s grasslands (50° 45’ N, 120° 25’ W) were examined for one year. An existing grazing experiment with 2 grazing treatments (not grazed and grazed in both spring and fall) was used. Five soil cores at two depths (0 to 4 cm and 4 to 8 cm) were collected per sampling unit in late-August and early-October. Faunal samples were sorted, counted and identified.
Article Summary / Main Points: Prostigmatid mites were the most abundant organism examined, representing 94.5% of the total collection. Prostigmatid mite densities were influenced by cattle grazing, sample depth and season of sampling. Grazing was the most important factor; densities of prostigmatid mites were lower on grazed than ungrazed treatments. There was also a considerable effect of depth as densities decreased with increasing depth. Soil mites were evenly distributed throughout the soil matrix in ungrazed pastures, but were concentrated below 4 cm on grazed pastures. Grazing can alter the decomposition and nutrient recycling processes by affecting the mesofauna community.
Vegetation Types: All Grasslands
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Rangelands Grazing Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: soil fauna, mesofauna, prostigmata, acari, range management
Annotation: The results of this one year study are applicable to northwestern grasslands. Individual geniuses and species of mesofauna may react differently across a wide variety of rangelands but the general principles behind the affects will remain consistent. Additionally rainfall and temperatures may also influence these populations. Additional research with more extensive sampling would develop better baseline data on the diversity and density of soil mesofauna present.
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