The Composition and Seasonal Variation of Epigeic Arthropods in Different Types of Agricultural Crops and Their Ecotones

Changes in the structures of epigeic arthropods reflect changes in the ecological status of their habitats. The aim of this research was to assess the influence of ecotones and environmental variables (pH soil, soil moisture, potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen) on the abundance of epigeic arthropods. Between 2018 and 2020, an investigation of different types of crops (Brassica napus L., Pisum sativum L., Triticum aestivum L., T. spelta L., Zea mays L., grass mixture) recorded 31,315 individuals belonging to 14 taxonomic groups and their ecotones, using pitfall traps. The abundance of epigeic arthropods was affected by moisture, pH of soil, and levels of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. We observed a greater average number of individuals in the ecotones than in the fields in the months of September and October and in Triticum aestivum crops. During other months and for the remaining crops, we did not notice this difference. This contributed new information regarding the ecotone rule. Our results suggest that agricultural intensification affects epigeic arthropods in the crop Triticum aestivum, which is important for the production of biomass and also affects crop yields.

Automated summary

The research demonstrates that soil moisture, pH, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen levels influence the abundance of epigeic arthropods, with a higher number of individuals found in ecotones compared to field plots.