Species Richness and Diversity of Soil Arthropods in Major Plantation Crops under Different Farming Practices

Abstract

The study examining effects of farming practices (Natural farming, Organic farming and Inorganic farming) on species richness and diversity of soil arthropods in major plantation crops (Arecanut, Coconut and Coffee) was conducted under different zones Hilly, Central Dry and Transition zone of Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka from August 2023 to May 2024. Soil arthropods belonging to 12 different orders were collected under 5 classes viz., Entognatha, Arachnida, Insecta, Symphlan and Chilopoda. The highest numbers of individuals was observed in natural farming practice (1256) followed by organic farming (825) and least in inorganic farming (397). The highest number of soil arthropods was recorded in natural farming practice (31.90 individuals per 400g of soil) within the coconut ecosystem followed by organic farming practice 12.39 and lowest in inorganic farming practices with 5.39 individuals per 400g of soil in arecanut and coffee ecosystem, respectively. Shannon Weiner index showed highest diversity in natural farming system 2.13. Whereas, the lowest diversity was recorded in inorganic farming practices (Shannon-Wiener: 0.69). The abundance and diversity showed a significant difference between different farming practices i.e. natural, organic and inorganic farming practices in different zones. Natural farming practices followed by organic farming supported higher diversity indices and abundance of soil fauna compared to inorganic farming practices.