Effects of long-term nutrient fertilisation and irrigation on the microarthropod community in a boreal Norway spruce stand

Lindberg, N; Persson, T

HERO ID

3757699

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2004

Language

English

HERO ID 3757699
In Press No
Year 2004
Title Effects of long-term nutrient fertilisation and irrigation on the microarthropod community in a boreal Norway spruce stand
Authors Lindberg, N; Persson, T
Journal Forest Ecology and Management
Volume 188
Issue 1-3
Page Numbers 125-135
Abstract Intensive nutrient fertilisation of forests has been suggested as a method to increase production of biofuels as a replacement for fossil fuels. We used a field experiment in a Norway spruce, Picea abies (L.) Karst., stand in northern Sweden to examine possible long-term effects of forest fertilisation on soil fauna (Oribatida, Mesostigmata, Collembola, predatory macroarthropods). Fertilisers had been applied annually for a period of 13 years, both in solid and liquid form, and N was added as ammonium nitrate (75-100 kg N ha(-1) per year). For comparison, control plots and plots receiving only irrigation were included. An autumn sampling showed soil fauna decreases in Plots receiving fertiliser in solid form, but increases in plots receiving liquid fertiliser. Clear shifts in community composition following both fertilisation methods were seen in Oribatida and Collembola, but species number and diversity were not significantly affected. This was probably due to increases in tolerant species that balanced decreases in other species. Liquid fertilisation had less negative effects on many species than fertilisation in solid form. Irrigation alone did not affect faunal abundances and had no effect on community composition of Oribatida and Collembola. The study indicates that intensive forest fertilisation will cause large shifts in soil microarthropod communities, but that species richness may remain unaffected. The risk of species loss will probably depend upon the size of the areas used for this purpose.
Doi 10.1016/j.foreco.2003.07.012
Wosid WOS:000188294900011
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword climate change; Collembola; forest fertilisation; global warming; Oribatida; Picea abies; soil fauna diversity