Soil micro-arthropod communities and microbial parameters in the potato ridge under two field management systems on sandy loams in Atlantic Canada

Abstract

Intensive forms of soil management occur in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production systems, but little is known about the influence of such practices on soil biological properties. Microbial biomass C, phosphatase activity, and the abundance (number), richness (family groups), and diversity of soil micro-arthropods (Collembola and mites) were compared in conventional and adjacent integrated pest management (IPM) systems of 3-yr potato rotations, established on fine sandy loams in Prince Edward Island, Atlantic Canada. The study was conducted at two sites over a 2-yr period. Soil microbial parameters were generally similar between management systems. Management differences showed some effect on micro-arthropod abundance and richness in three of the eight comparisons. Under optimum soil-water conditions, both Collembola and mite communities increased over the growing season regardless of management system. Key words: Soil management for potato, Collembola, mites, soil microbial biomass carbon, acid phosphatase, integrated pest management

Influence of 10 years of conservation tillage on some biological properties of a fine sandy loam in the potato phase of two crop rotations in Atlantic Canada

“…The Collembola were represented by five families and, as expected, the numbers were low. Carter and Noronha (2007) found low numbers of certain families of Collembola during the potato cropping season, which indicated their difficulty to adapt to the intensive management used in potato farming. In this study, the exclusive presence of the families Hypogastruridae and Sminthuridae in the 3-yr rotation cycle may suggest a relationship with long-term rotation and tillage practices.…”

“…Micro-arthropod populations are sensitive to any soil disturbance and stress, especially climatic or abiotic factors that influence soil temperature and moisture (Fox et al 1999;Cortet et al 2002;Carter and Noronha 2007). Studies have shown that micro-arthropod abundance and biodiversity are enhanced by reduced tillage and the presence of crop residues (Neave and Fox 1998; Cortet et al 2002), and can be influenced by changes in potato management practices (Carter and Noronha 2007).…”

“…Studies have shown that micro-arthropod abundance and biodiversity are enhanced by reduced tillage and the presence of crop residues (Neave and Fox 1998; Cortet et al 2002), and can be influenced by changes in potato management practices (Carter and Noronha 2007). In the present study, micro-arthropod abundance in the potato phase was relatively low for Collembola (ranged from 1Á2 10 3 m 2 ) and similar for Acari (ranged from 10Á21 10 3 m 2 ), compared with previous studies on the same soil type (Carter and Noronha 2007). Collembola abundance was increased by conservation tillage in the 3-yr rotation, but results on diversity were variable.…”

“…Length of crop rotation and frequency of potato cropping, use of leguminous companion-crops, and type of soil management system have an important bearing on soil biological parameters, such as soil organic matter fractions (Grandy et al 2002;Carter et al 2003), soilborne diseases (Leach et al 1993;Peters et al 2004Peters et al , 2005, root lesion nematode populations (Kimpinski et al 2000;, and microarthropod communities (Fox et al 1999;Carter and Noronha 2007). In many cases, the above changes in soil biological properties take a significant time period (e.g.,5 yr) before they become evident, and thus require relatively long-term studies for their evaluation .…”

“…The type of companion-crop in potato rotations can significantly influence population densities of root-lesion nematodes (Kimpinski et al 2000). Agricultural management practices can influence the biodiversity of soil micro-arthropod communities, such as Collembola and Acari (Cortet et al 2002;Behan-Pelletier 2003;Carter and Noronha 2007). Micro-arthropod populations can be influenced by the degree of soil disturbance, such as tillage, and the presence of crop residue (Neave and Fox 1998;Fox et al 1999).…”