Seasonal response of edaphic bioindicators using green manure in Brazilian semi-arid conditions

Abstract

The goal of this work was to evaluate the response of edaphic macrofauna, soil microbial biomass carbon, soil basal respiration, metabolic quotient and labile carbon of fumigated soil in a Fluvic Neosol. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with five treatments (four green manure mix and one control) and four replications, and subsequent planting of melon (Cucumis melo L.) under semi-arid conditions in Juazeiro, Bahia State, Brazil, from August 2006 to August 2007. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-10 cm at 6 days before, and 117; 215 and 354 days after green manure mix planting. The results indicate that none of the attributes presented a significant difference for the treatments, but changed significantly in relation to the time of sample collection. The higher levels of soil microbial biomass carbon and labile carbon of fumigated soil were measured 117 days after planting. Soil microbial biomass carbon was inversely correlated with soil basal respiration and metabolic quotient, which increased as of 215 days after planting. At 354 days after planting, the edaphic macrofauna presented the highest density, richness, diversity and uniformity. Ants and beetles were most abundant in the areas studied.