Microannelids (Enchytraeidae, Naididae) in the topsoil of periodically wet deciduous forests
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25674/509Keywords:
enchytraeids, aero-hydromorphic humus forms, indicator species, water-logging, monitoringAbstract
The topsoil is both a habitat for soil organisms and the product of their activity. Specific topsoil conditions are therefore linked to specific characteristics of the decomposer community. The aim of this study was to characterise the poorly studied aero-hydromorphic humus forms of periodically wet forest sites concerning the microannelid community. We collected vertically stratified samples at 64 sample points distributed across two forest sites on Stagnosols south-east of Münster (Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany). The microannelid community appeared to be adapted to periodic waterlogging, including species preferring well drained conditions as well as species indicating wet conditions. Of these, the most common were Cognettia glandulosa s.l., Marionina simillima, Marionina filiformis, Marionina argentea s.l., and Cernosvitoviella atrata. Species composition depended on humus form: Moist Moder hosted fewer moisture-indicating species than Moist Mull, as most of these species are acidity sensitive. Repeated sampling at two intensive measurement stations, where soil water tension was measured, showed high temporal variability of species composition. In April 2023, total abundance was significantly reduced after a five-month period of waterlogging compared to October 2022, and the population consisting mainly of wetness indicators. Another six months later, in October 2023, abundance as well as species number had recovered and dominance of wetness indicators decreased. Depending on soil moisture, vertical distribution of microannelids varied strongly over time. During waterlogging animals concentrated in the uppermost few centimetres of the topsoil profile, whereas during summer drought wetness indicators predominantly occurred in deeper layers. Linking the assessment of aero-hydromorphic humus forms with recording the microannelid community enables a more comprehensive description of the topsoil condition. Our results show that it is worthwhile to pay closer attention to aero-hydromorphic humus forms and their characteristic soil fauna, possibly also within the context of monitoring programs. In doing so, the specific characteristics of periodically wet soils should be taken into account when designing the sampling methodology.
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