Soil microarthropod community structure of corn production systems in Tabango, Leyte Philippines

Issue Date

10-2008

Abstract

The soil microarthropod communities of corn production systems were studied and compared in four farms in Barangay Omaganhan, Tabango, Leyte from April to August 2003, in relation to relative abundance species richness, species similarity, species diversity, species evenness, and species dominance. They were represented by 193 species, largely Acarina (>90%) and Colembola (8.4%). The most dominant mites in all farms were Scheloribates fimbriatus javensis Willmann, Oppia Kuehnelti Csiszar, and Lamellobates hauseri Mahumka. The relatively poor community structure of mites and Collembola in the corn farms was influenced by the low soil OM (1.2-1.9%) and total N (0.12-0.16%) levels and slightly high pH (7.75-7.95). While high rainfall during typhoons caused drastic decline in mite populations, it did not appear to affect Collembola populations. The influence of soil moisture on microarthropods was not apparent. Frequent cultivation, use of chemical fertilizer, use of contour hedgerows, crop rotation, and intercropping appeared to influence microarthropod community trends. Corn farms in Tabango, Leyte were assessed to be highly disturbed, but showed prospects for rehabilitation through soil improvement schemes. Recommendations for the improvement of existing farming practices, information dissemination of improved technologies and future studies relevant to corn production in Leyte are provided.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

22

Issue

2

Page

107-146

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

tables; graphs

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

ACARINA; COLLEMBOLA; ZEA MAYS; PLANT PESTS; SPECIES; ANIMAL POPULATION; POPULATION STRUCTURE; FARMING SYSTEMS; SOIL WATER CONTENT; PHILIPPINES

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