2024 Vol. 30 No.1 PP 03-19
https://doi.org/10.33451/florafauna.v30i1pp03-19
Microarthropod as soil quality indicator for ravenous soils of North-West Bundelkhand region
*Sharmila Roy1, Ruquaeya Bano2, J.P. Singh3, S.K. Das4, S.K. Nag4 and Richa Soni3
1 *ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research,
LUCKNOW (UP) INDIA 226 001
2 Zoological Survey of India,
Desert Regional Centre,
JODHPUR (RAJASTHAN)- 342 005
3 ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute,
JHANSI-284 003 (UP) INDIA
4ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute,
KOLKATA - 700 120 (WB), INDIA
*Corresponding Author :
E-mail:roysharmilaigfri@gmail.com; Sharmila.roy@icar.gov.in
ABSTRACT
In this study microarthropod population was compared with established soil quality index (SQI), so that indicator potential
of soil microarthropods could be established. Forty-three georeferenced sites based on advanced techniques were selected
from the major representative land uses viz., arable land, forest, grazing land and degraded land that fall under four administrative
districts viz., Datia, Jalaun, Hamirpur and Tikamgarh. The samples were analysed for soil physical, chemical, and biological
parameters. The soil quality index (SQI) was computed using minimum data set derived through principal component analysis
and based on expert opinion. Soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, potassium, and clay content were selected
as contributors of soil quality index. Regression between SQI and micro arthropod abundance established a definite relationship,
establishing that the soil micro arthropods might be used as soil quality index for monitoring soil quality for this geography.
KEY WORDS : Microarthropods, Microbial biomass carbon, NPK, Soil organic carbon, Soil Quality Index (SQI)