Population of microarthropods as influenced by organic amendments and application rates

Soil biological health is a key determinant of sustainable crop production, with soil microarthropods such as mites and collembola serving as vital indicators of soil quality. This study evaluated the effects of organic amendments such as biochar made from municipal solid waste (BMSW), compost made from municipal solid waste (CMSW), poultry manure (PM), and raw municipal solid waste (RMSW) applied at rates of 0, 5, and 10 t ha⁻¹, on soil. The organic amendments were incorporated into soil according to the treatment levels at the top soil. Soil samples were collected at one month, three months, six months and nine months after application. Extraction of the microarthropods was carried out with the use of modified high gradient Macfadyen extractor. Results revealed that amendments incorporated substantially improved soil fertility indices, with CMSW and PM markedly increasing organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus, while BMSW enhanced cation exchange capacity through its high carbon content. Total microarthropods and mite population were highest under CMSW and PM at 10 t ha⁻¹, particularly between 6 and 9 months after incorporation while oribatid mites increased significantly under CMSW and PM. Collembola population exhibited a similar trend, with CMSW at 10 t ha⁻¹ supporting the highest abundance, followed by PM and BMSW, while RMSW showed inconsistent and often reduced population. In conclusion, stabilized amendments such as CMSW and PM improved soil chemical fertility and enhanced soil microarthropods abundance and diversity, thereby contributing to improve soil ecosystem functioning.