JOURNAL of Soil Biology and Ecology

The abiotic factors and application of soil nutrients effect on Collembola populations within maize cropping systems.

Author: 

NGANGOM UMADEVI

Abstract:

The study examined the effects of different doses of NPK fertilizer and various abiotic factors on the population of soil Collembola under rainfed conditions, which has significant implications for agricultural practices. The goal was to achieve different target yields in maize crops, both with and without the addition of farmyard manure (FYM). The application of 123.74 kg of nitrogen (N), 48.91 kg of phosphorus (P), and 55.59 kg of potassium (K) per hectare, along with 20.76 tonnes of FYM per hectare, resulted in a significantly higher population of soil collembola, averaging 12.70 individuals per 400 grams of soil. This treatment's performance was comparable to those that included FYM. In contrast, the lowest abundance of soil collembola was found in plots treated solely with a higher dose of fertilizer (251.17 kg N, 113.31 kg P, and 114.35 kg K per hectare), which recorded only 5.92 individuals per 400 grams of soil. Throughout the cropping season, the population of soil collembola varied, with the lowest count observed before treatment at 1.19 individuals per 400 grams and the highest recorded at 105 DAG with 16.57 individuals per 400 grams of soil. The study identified significant negative correlations between maximum temperature, sunshine hours, and soil moisture with the abundance of collembola. In contrast, minimum relative humidity and soil temperature exhibited a significant positive relationship with their abundance. Abiotic factors contributed 68% to the variation in collembola population, with soil moisture alone accounting for up to 43%.

Key words: Abiotic factors, Fertilizers, FYM, Maize, Soil Collembola.

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