Impact of some edaphic and ecological factors on the biodiversity of soil fauna from vegetable fields

Study determined different soil arthropods in response to some edaphic and ecological factors. Sampling was done by using soil sampler from vegetable fields, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The extraction of soil samples was done by Berlese-Tullgren funnel. Results showed significant variations in soil fauna abundance. Out of total sample collected numbers, 54-56% belong to Springtails followed by Mites 18-20%, Proturans 4.0-4.6%, Symphylans 3.0-4.2%, Ants 3.0-4.0%, Soil beetles 2%, Spiders 3%, Parasitic wasp 1.8-2.0%, Woodlouse 1.0-1.3%, Pseudoscorpions 0.0-0.05% and miscellaneous 4.8-5.0%. Mean numbers was categorized into 4 groups., most abundant (Collembola, Acari), moderately abundant (Protura, Symphyla, Hymenoptera), least abundant (Araneae, Coleoptera, Isopods) and rare (Pseudoscorpiones). Results showed highest population of springtails and mites with mean value of 59.66±8.76 and 22.33±1.76 respectively, while lowest was in pseudoscorpions with value of 0.001. The soil temperature had a positive and highly significant correlation with springtails (0.774**) and proturans (0.714*). Soil moisture content had a positive and significant relationship with proturans (0.612*). Organic matter had a positive and remarkable relationship with pseudoscorpiones (0.634*), while negative and significant association with soil beetles (-0.651*) and proturans (-0.679*). Soil fauna was also correlated with macronutrients and it was found that available phosphorous and potassium had a significant correlation with soil micro arthropods except soil beetles. Mites and springtails had highly significant and positive correlation with temperature (0.837**, 0.863**), while negatively significant with relative humidity (-0.798**, -0.704** respectively). Other arthropod guilds didn’t show any significant correlation with edaphic and meteorological factors.