Oribatid mites in different Mediterranean crop rotations fertilized with animal droppings.

ABSTRACT: Unsustainable soil management is one of the drivers of soil degradation, but impact assessment requires the development of indicators. Oribatids might be considered as early indicators of disturbances due to the stability of their community. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of oribatids as bioindicators of sustainable agricultural practices. Under a dry Mediterranean climate, three fertilization experiments - two under a two-crop rotation system and one under maize monoculture and established 12 years earlier - were sampled 3× for oribatid identification during the last annual cropping cycle. The hypothesis was that different nutrient and crop managements affect the number of oribatid species and individuals present, and these parameters could be used as indicators

SUBMITTER: Bosch-Serra AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10406719 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature