First record on enchytraeids in a Savanna Tall Woodland (Cerradão) and Upper Montane Atlantic Forest in Brazil

Abstract

Brazil is considered a megadiverse country, but the soil fauna is still very poorly known. The aim of this study was to report, for the fi rst time, the abundance and genus composition of terrestrial enchytraeids (Enchytraeidae, Oligochaeta) in Savanna Tall Woodland (Cerradão) and a pasture in Cerrado Biome and in Upper Montane Atlantic Forest and a grassland in Atlantic Forest Biome. The enchytraeid density in Pasture and Cerradao was 2,036 and 18,844 (204 and 2,094, on average) individuals per square meter, respectively. At the Atlantic forest and Grassland, density was 9,666 and 12,242 individuals per square meter (1,075 and 1,471 on average). About genus composition for the studied areas, Enchytraeus and Hemienchytraeus were found in the four ecosystems evaluated, while Tupidrilus and Fridericia were found only in Cerradão and Atlantic Forest, respectively. Achaeta was absent in Upper Montane Atlantic Forest, but dominant in pasture, while Guaranidrilus was absent in Pasture, but predominant in the other ecosystems.

Is there a relationship between enchytraeids diversity and community with soybean (Glycine max L.) productivity in no‐till system in subtropical soils of Brazil?

“…In contrast to arthropods and other macrofauna organisms, the enchytraeids depend on and live in contact with the soil solution, sharing the same microenvironment as plant roots and microorganisms (Didden et al, 1997). Unfortunately, in South America, enchytraeids are practically ignored even by scientists and naturalists and there are just a few studies comparing tillage system effects on enchytraeids in South America (Alexandre et al, 2022; Christoffersen, 2010; Demetrio et al, 2020; Lopez et al, 2005; Romero, 2019; Schmelz et al, 2013). However, so far it is known that Hemienchytraeus and Guaranidrilus are considered dominant in Latin America in terms of density in natural ecosystems (Niva et al, 2015; Schmelz et al, 2013).…”