Factors affecting soil fauna feeding activity in a fragmented lowland temperate deciduous woodland

British temperate broadleaf woodlands have been widely fragmented since the advent of modern agriculture and development. As a result, a higher proportion of woodland area is now subject to edge effects which can alter the efficiency of ecosystem functions. These areas are particularly sensitive to drought. Decomposition of detritus and nutrient cycling are driven by soil microbe and fauna coactivity. The bait lamina assay was used to assess soil fauna trophic activity in the upper soil horizons at five sites in Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire: two edge, two intermediate and one core site. Faunal trophic activity was highest in the core of the woodland, and lowest at the edge, which was correlated with a decreasing soil moisture gradient. The efficiency of the assay was tested using four different bait flavours: standardised, ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), oak (Quercus robur L.), and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.). The standardised bait proved the most efficient flavour in terms of feeding activity. This study suggests that decomposition and nutrient cycling may be compromised in many of the UK's small, fragmented woodlands in the event of drought or climate change

Biological activity in Cerrado soils: evaluation of vegetation, fire and seasonality effects using the “bait-lamina test”

Aims The Cerrado, a South American savanna, is con- sidered a priority for conservation. In this case study, we assessed soil feeding activity as a way to improve un- derstanding of the ecosystem functioning, in order to support and refine conservation strategies. Methods Soil feeding activity was assessed using the bait-lamina method under different environmental con- ditions: in the dry and rainy seasons, in burned and unburned areas, and under native and invasive grasses. Results Feeding activity was significantly reduced after fire, but recovered to pre-fire levels with the rains. Activity increased significantly during the rainy season in both areas, being more pronounced in the unburned area. The highest feeding activity was observed under the invasive grass (Melinis minutiflora). Feeding activ- ity declined with soil depth and was affected by season and fire. Conclusions Seasonality was the most important factor affecting the feeding activity of soil organisms, followed by the fire history and the extant vegetation. Although this method does not allowdistinguishing between feed- ing activity of different organisms, it can provide valu- able insights into differences in soil functioning due to changes in environmental conditions