Title | The role of microarthropods and nematodes in litter decomposition in a Chihuahuan desert ecosystem |
Publication Type | Thesis |
Year of Publication | 1979 |
Authors | Santos PF |
Number of Pages | 82 |
Date Published | 1979 |
University | New Mexico State University |
City | Las Cruces, New Mexico |
Thesis Type | Ph.D. Dissertationpp |
Call Number | 00278 |
Keywords | arthropod, SEE <MICROARTHROPOD>, decomposition,microarthropods, decomposition,nematodes, dissertation, dissertations, fungicide, insect, SEE <MICROARTHROPOD>, insecticide, Chlordane, litter decomposition, microarthropod,litter decomposition, nematicide, SEE <PESTICIDE>, nematode,litter decomposition, soil, microarthropods, theses, thesis |
Abstract | Changes in the decomposer communities were monitored in early stages of decomposition of buried creosotebush litter (leaves and small stems) confined in fiberglass mesh bags. Selected inhibitors (fungicides, an insecticide and nematicide) were used to disrupt the natural equilibria of the bacteria-nematode-mite litter community in order to examine the effects of removal of parts of that community in order to examine the effects of removal of parts of that community on decomposition processes. The role of microarthropods as predators regulating decomposition has not previously been described. The probable effect of microarthropods in late stages of mixed litter decomposition is to control the microbial populations directly (by grazing on fungi and dispersing microorganisms) and indirectly (by preying on microbivorous nematodes). |