Epiedaphic fauna in different agroecosystems obtained by Pitfall traps and Provid methods

In this study, the objective was to evaluate the epiedaphic fauna in different agroecosystems using two sampling methods. Organisms were sampled in four agroecosystems: (i) corn cultivation, (ii) Brachiaria ruziziensis cultivation, (iii) silvopastoral system, and (iv) secondary forest remnant. In each agroecosystem, 5 Pitfall traps and 5 Provid traps were installed at a distance of 10 meters and kept in the field for three days. The sampled organisms were classified at the lowest possible taxonomic level and the data obtained were analyzed using Shannon’s diversity and Simpson’s dominance indices, and principal component analysis. The Pitfall traps method resulted in greater abundance of the epiedaphic community compared to the Provid traps method. The corn cultivation area had greater abundance compared to the other agroecosystems evaluated. The best ecological index was observed in the B. ruziziensis crop, using both methods. The areas of corn cultivation and silvopastoral system were separated by the two methods, by principal component analysis, with a greater number of groups associated with the area cultivated with B. ruziziensis and the secondary forest remnant.

Keywords
Soil fauna; Edaphic diversity; Sampling methods