A comparison of feeding activity of collembolan and enchytraeid in laboratory studies using the bait-lamina test

The bait-lamina test is an easy and fast method to investigate the `feeding activity' of soil organisms, a quantity reflecting complex decomposition processes. This study aims to provide detailed information about exactly which taxa may feed on bait lamina. Laboratory experiments were conducted...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied soil ecology : a section of Agriculture, ecosystems & environment ecosystems & environment, 1998-03, Vol.7 (3), p.207-212
Main Authors: Helling, Beate, Pfeiff, Gesa, Larink, Otto
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bait-lamina test
COLLEMBOLA
COMPORTEMENT ALIMENTAIRE
ENCHYTRAEIDAE
FEED INTAKE
Feeding activity
FEEDING HABITS
HABITOS ALIMENTARIOS
INGESTION DE PIENSOS
Mesofauna
ORGANISME DU SOL
ORGANISMOS DEL SUELO
PRISE ALIMENTAIRE (ANIMAUX)
SOIL ORGANISMS
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Summary:The bait-lamina test is an easy and fast method to investigate the `feeding activity' of soil organisms, a quantity reflecting complex decomposition processes. This study aims to provide detailed information about exactly which taxa may feed on bait lamina. Laboratory experiments were conducted with species of Collembola ( Folsomia candida, Onychiurus fimatus) and enchytraeids ( Enchytraeus minutus, Enchytraeus lacteus) and a suspension of microorganisms. We compared defaunated arable soil (gleyic luvisol) and artificial soil as well as two different bait substrates: nettle powder ( Urtica dioica) and wheat bran. Glass tubes ( n=16) of 50 ml capacity were filled with one of the soil substrates, to which were added one bait lamina and either 100 springtails or 75 enchytraeids. Both bait types were accepted by the test animals, but with a strong preference for nettle powder. The feeding activity of all investigated organisms was higher in defaunated arable soil than in artificial soil. The enchytraeids and F. candida had the highest feeding activity.
ISSN:0929-1393
1873-0272
DOI:10.1016/S0929-1393(97)00065-6