The ecology of the microarthropod fauna of two New Zealand pastures

Abstract

Between June 1964 and June 1965 regular monthly samples of the microarthropod (both Collembola and Acarina) fauna were taken from two pastures of differing soil types at Taita, near Wellington. The fauna was identified and the abundance of each 'species' recorded. A structural analysis of the microarthropod communities was made to determine the homogeneity, frequency, constancy and dominance of 'species' in each pasture. Seasonal changes in the populations of microarthropods, together with their pattern of vertical distribution in the soil were studied. Ecological factors affecting the distribution and abundance of microarthropods are discussed. The present study is compared with previous studies made in the Northern Hemisphere.