A influência da cobertura do solo para assembleia de collembolos em meio subterrâneo superficial neotropical

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether native vegetation cover alters the physicochemical patterns of soil in Mesovoid Shallow Substratum (MSS), as well as to verify if this parameter has any influence on the collembolan fauna associated with these environments (richness, composition, and taxonomic distinction). In addition, it was also verified whether this fauna (richness, composition, and beta diversity) is influenced in any way by the dry and rainy seasons and if it differs between different months of the year. It was also evaluated whether these patterns differently affect the fauna of forest fragments and anthropized areas, as well as whether variations in temperature interfere with these dynamics. Over a period of 13 consecutive months, the collembolan fauna associated with SUEs in the karst region of the municipality of Pains-MG in southeastern Brazil was sampled. Various soil parameters (temperature, texture, porosity, pH, organic matter concentration, and micronutrient concentration) were evaluated in different soil strata (from 5 to 95 cm depth) at six sampling stations (three located on slopes of forest fragments and three on slopes adjacent to plantations or pastures). The collembolan assemblage was influenced by both soil parameters (organic matter, pH, microporosity, and texture) and the type of environment, with the latter having the greatest influence on the composition of troglomorphic collembolans. However, except for the average temperature of the MSS, the physicochemical parameters did not differ between the forest fragment and anthropized environments. The dry and rainy seasons influenced the composition and richness of collembolans in anthropized areas, as well as the richness of shallower strata. All evaluated environments and strata showed monthly differences, while only

the composition of the shallow and deep strata showed differences between some non- consecutive months. Regarding beta diversity, the deepest stratum showed a species turnover

pattern at the peak of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season, which shifted to richness difference after the most intense rainy period. The monthly temperature of the MSS strata negatively influenced the richness of the evaluated depths and environments. Based on the results obtained in the study, it is possible to infer that MSSs are important for biodiversity conservation, considering that deeper regions exhibit greater stability and can be used as shelter during stressful periods. In this sense, it is also possible to infer that the conservation of native vegetation adjacent to these environments is of great importance, particularly for attenuating external climatic effects.