Ecological Role of <i>Onthophagus taurus</i> (Schreber) in Soil Nutrient Mobilization

Abstract

Dung beetles play a major role in the pasture ecosystem. The manure recycling activity of dung beetles is linked to their tunneling behavior. The present study was designed to analyze the tunnel pattern and nutrient mobilization by dung beetles, Onthophagus taurus (Schereber, 1759) in different soil types. A simple type of tunnel pattern was observed in all the four types of soil after 30th day of their introduction (10 pairs of male and female) into the experimental setup. However, the maximum number of tunnels was observed in the sandy and sandy clay loam (no. of openings - 15), followed by loamy soil (no. of openings -13). The physical (texture, water holding capacity, porosity, moisture content) and chemical parameters (pH and nutrients) of all the four types of soils were evaluated. Soil texture analysis revealed the texture to be of sandy (yellow soil), sandy clay loam (red and black soil), and loamy sand (brown soil) types. Water holding capacity and the soil porosity were recorded highest in the sandy soil, whereas moisture content was found maximum in the sandy clay loam. Soil nutrient analysis illustrated a significant increase in the amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), sodium (Na), potassium (K), organic carbon and organic matter. Thus, the present study confirms that tunneling activity of O. taurus enhances the soil nutrients by carrying out dung decomposition.

Recent Advances in the Control of Endoparasites in Ruminants from a Sustainable Perspective

“…Nowadays, it is widely known that once the animals are drenched, chemical residues are eliminated into the environment through feces and urine [ 17 , 18 ]. Chemical residues of anthelmintic drugs eliminated by treated animals are toxic and can affect beneficial organisms such as dung beetles, who play an essential role in decomposing organic matter and in carbon and nitrogen re-cycling, benefitting both the edaphic fauna and the microflora [ 19 , 20 , 21 ] and improving soil fertility [ 22 ]. Because soil is the final destination of chemical anthelmintic residues, these compounds can be considered as an environmental threat.…”