| Popis: |
We tested the seasonal responses of soil mites, particularly Actinedida and Oribatida, in decomposing surface litter of three saltbush species, in the underlying mineral soil, and to the microhabitat conditions (litter and mineral soil together). The numerical changes were monitored in litter bags that enclosed 10 0 g of oven-dried leaf material collected from Atriplex repanda Phil., A. nummularia Lindl. and A. semibaccata R. Br. (Chenopodiaceae). These species have been widely utilized in land reclamation programs in north-central Chile. In terms of total numbers of mites, actinedids and oribatids, Atriplex repanda litter provided a better habitat than A. semibaccata and A. nummularia, an introduced Australian species. We detected seasonal patterns of density that were related to litter species and to soil conditions. |
