Diversity of soil biota near Nelijärve Team Butterfly

Introduction Team Butterfly Supervisor – Piret Vacht Our task was to investigate different soils, their properties and biota.

Study sites

Study site 1 is in a coniferous forest.

Study sites Site 2 is next to a parking lot. Also, the grass was mowed.

Study sites Site 3 is in a broadleaf forest.

Study methods  We observed soil horizonts and determined habitat horizons,  measured soil pH from distilled water solution and determined soil texture and colour,  classified the size and abundance of roots in the horizons,  observed earthworms and microarthropods,  calculated soil moisture.

Goals of the study  To investigate diversity of soil biota.  To find out where are the best soils for soil biota near Nelijärve.  To learn collecting soil data.  To have fun.

Study sites soil data Site numberSite 1Site 2Site 3 Visible horizonsO E CO A CO A B C Habitat horizonsO (E sometimes)O AO A B Soil color Grayish brown, light brown, red- brown Dark brownBrownish black Soil texturesand Loamy sand Soil moisture48,7%15,3%10,7%

Study sites biota Site 1Site 2Site 3 Number of earthworms (per 0,25 m2) 937 Earthworm biomass (g) 0,52306 g0,144 g2,73258 g Microarthropods Mites: Moss-mites (oribatida), Spiders, Mites: Predatory (Mesostigmata), Beetles Other animalsSnails, antsAnts Roots size classification mediumVery finefine Roots abundance classification fewVery fewcommon

pH H2O data Site 1Site 2Site 3 pH H2O 5,56,255,5 According to The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service classification of soil pH ranges, site 1 and site 3 soil pH classifies as moderate acid soil. Site 2 pH classifies as neutral.

Conclusions  Soils near Nelijärve has a great diversity of biota.  The best soils for soil biota is site 3 – broadleaf forest.

Thank you for listening!