Communities of Collembola in natural and transformed soils of linden-oak-hornbeam sites of the Mazovian Lowland

Abstract

The work provides an ecological analysis of Collembola communities in natural soil of linden-oak-hornbeam forests (Tilio-Carpinetum), in semi-natural soil of linden-oak-hornbeam meadows (Arrhenatheretum medioeuropaeum and Lolio-Cynosuretum), in anthropogenic soil of fields and apple-tree orchard and in anthropogenic soil of urban greens. By way of comparison of Collembola communities in natural habitats and those subject to man's (both agricultural and urbanziation), analyses and evaluation were made of the character and degree of changes proceeding in communities of Collembola. In the examined soil of linden-oak-hornbeam habitats on the Mozovian Lowland there were recorded 96 Collembola species (including 7 new to Poland and 25 new to the region). In effect of the carried out examination it was found out that Collembola communities were dominated by euedaphic, hemiedaphic, mesophilous, eurytopic and open area species. Particular species as well as groups of species differed in their abilities and the manner reacting to habitat disturbances caused by anthropogenic factors. Collembola occurring in Warsaw urban greens ranked mostly among fauna, betraying peculiar urban traits resulting from a long-term effect of anthropogenic impact. Good indicators of the degree of degradation of Collembola communities were: the number of species, characteristics species composition and dominance structure.