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1 March 2012 Effects of Soil Amendments on Soil Microarthropods in Continuous Maize in Western Oklahoma
Evan C. J. Booher, Carmen M. Greenwood, Jeffory A. Hattey
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Abstract

Soil-dwelling organisms are critical to the overall biological function of any soil ecosystem. Mites, which generally constitute the most prevalent soil microarthropods, include taxa that exhibit sensitivity to certain physical properties of soil that are influenced by cultivation practices. Therefore, response of certain taxa of soil mites may indicate biological integrity of agricultural ecosystems. Oribatid mites exhibit sensitivities to disturbance resulting from tillage and other agricultural practices that affect organic matter content of soil. The response of oribatid mites to three soil amendments (beef manure, swine effluent, and anhydrous ammonia) applied at three nitrogen rates (0 = check, 168, or 504 kg N ha-1 year-1) was evaluated in conventionally cultivated continuous maize, Zea mays L., in western Oklahoma. A total of 994 mites was collected from 56 soil samples. Of the mites collected, 924 (93%) were Oribatida. Oribatid mites were more abundant in plots receiving beef manure amendments than either swine effluent or anhydrous ammonia. Percentage of organic matter was also greater in beef manure than with the other two amendment types. Nitrogen application rate did not have a significant effect on mite abundance or organic matter content.

Evan C. J. Booher, Carmen M. Greenwood, and Jeffory A. Hattey "Effects of Soil Amendments on Soil Microarthropods in Continuous Maize in Western Oklahoma," Southwestern Entomologist 37(1), 23-30, (1 March 2012). https://doi.org/10.3958/059.037.0103
Published: 1 March 2012
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