Effects of weeding practices on the soil and litter arthropod diversity in corn (Zea mays L.)
2019
Tambaoan, F.G.S. | Lit, I.L., Jr | Caasi-Lit, M.T. | Barrion-Dupo, A.L.A. | Abenis, K.O. | Panabang, B.B. | Laude, R.A.P.
The diversity of soil and litter arthropod in plots field of corn (Zea mays L.) was determined at different crop phenological stages (seed/seedling, vegetative, and reproductively) under two weeding treatments, namely: (1) regulated weeding, i.e. weeding during the early vegetative and at 30-40 days after planting; and (2) no weeding, each with three replications. A susceptible traditional open-pollinated white corn variety, IPB Var 6, was planted. Soil and little samples were gathered before planting and every other week thereafter, and were run through Berlese-Tullgren funnels for atleast 48 hours to extract the arthropods. Arthropods were sorted, preserved, processed, and identified. Individuals per morphospecies were counted and diversity indices computed. Insects and other arthropods belong to 14 insect orders/arthropod classes, most notably mites and collembolans. Treatments did not differ significantly until the pollen shed/reproductive stage. Removal of weeds decreased soil arthropods populations. There was higher soil arthropod diversity in unweeded (control) plots. Regulated weeding probably promoted plant diversity in the experimental plots and, in turn, encouraged soil arthropod diversity. Previous studies abroad have suggested that in supporting soil food webs, weed rhizospheres may be more important than crop rhizospheres since crops tend to maximize their aboveground net primarily productivity. Hence, weeds are significant in protecting soil biodiversity, especially in conventionally tilled agroecosystems. Conserving soil biodiversity is part of the pursuit for sustainable and environmentally sound agricultural practices.
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