Journal article

Publication year: 2005

Pages: 2117-2130

Journal: Soil Biology and Biochemistry

Volume number: 37

Issue number: 11

ISSN: 0038-0717

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2005.03.015

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
A litterbag experiment was used to study the impact of extended periods of summer drought on the structure of oribatid mite communities (Acari, Oribatida) developing in two litter types (beech, spruce) of two qualities (fresh, pre-incubated). Within each litter type, litter quality determined species composition and densities and, in turn, this determined the impact of drought upon the oribatid mite communities. In both litter types, drought had a greater impact on community development in the pre-incubated compared to the fresh litter. In the short-term perspective of the present study, oribatid mite communities in beech litter were less sensitive to summer drought than those in spruce litter. This was partly due to the presence of site-specific, drought-tolerant species but seemed also strongly related to differences in the decomposition patterns between the litter types. Marked changes in densities and composition of oribatid communities after only one period of summer-drought suggest that there is a potential for a significant alteration of oribatid community structure in both litter types if climatic changes persist.

Harvard Citation style: Taylor, A. and Wolters, V. (2005) Responses of oribatid mite communities to summer drought: The influence of litter type and quality, Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 37(11), pp. 2117-2130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2005.03.015

APA Citation style: Taylor, A., & Wolters, V. (2005). Responses of oribatid mite communities to summer drought: The influence of litter type and quality. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 37(11), 2117-2130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2005.03.015