Monday, November 25, 1:40pm – 2:00pm, Zeis 123, via Zoom
Abigail Levinson
Dr. Camila Filgueiras
Soil arthropods play a critical role in maintaining soil structure and supporting ecological processes such as moisture retention, nutrient cycling, and organic matter decomposition. Changes in their environment, including natural events like wildfires, can significantly impact these assemblages. While wildfires can degrade air quality and harm agricultural lands, they also contribute to forest health by promoting plant germination and preparing ecosystems for successive growth. Controlled burns aim to promote these ecological benefits while minimizing adverse effects. This study assessed the impact of controlled burns on soil arthropod biodiversity by sampling leaf litter and humus across six sites with varying burn histories (five sites burned in different years and one unburned control). Arthropods were extracted from leaf litter using Berlese funnels, identified and sorted into taxonomic groups, and quantified. Results indicated that biodiversity was significantly higher in sites burned ten or more years ago compared to both more recently burned areas and unburned areas. These findings provide insights into land management practices, emphasizing the long-term biodiversity benefits of controlled burns.