Response of the fauna of a grassland soil to doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration |
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Authors: | G W Yeates K R Tate P C D Newton |
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Institution: | (1) Landcare Research, Private Bag 11052, Palmerston North, New Zealand Tel: (6) 356-7154; Fax: (6) 355-9230; e-mail: yeatesg@landcare.cri.nz, NZ;(2) AgResearch Grasslands, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, New Zealand, NZ |
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Abstract: | The effects of elevated CO2 on rhizosphere processes, including the response of soil faunal populations and community structure, have so far received
little attention. We report on significant responses in the soil fauna of ryegrass/white clover swards to both increasing
CO2 from 350 to 750 μl · l–1 and, to a period of 60 days when some of the turves were subject to drought, in a controlled climate growth room experiment.
The nematodes which increased were predominantly Enoplia, including dorylaimids, alaimids and trichodorids. This accords with
both the doubling of Alaimus under elevated CO2 conditions reported in a similar experiment and with the common association of Enoplia with less disturbed habitats. The
most marked decrease was in the bacterial-feeding Rhabditis (Secernentea). The increase in omnivorous and predacious nematodes may have been responsible for the decrease in populations
of bacterial-feeding nematodes. However, in contrast to their standing crops, the turnover rate of bacterial-feeding nematodes
and soil microbial biomass probably increased as a result of increased grazing by these omnivorous and predacious nematodes.
Increases in earthworm and enchytraeid populations were related to increased below-ground productivity reported for the same
trial.
Received: 30 September 1996 |
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Keywords: | Elevated CO2 Drought Pasture Nematodes Enchytraeids Earthworms Climate |
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