Effect of Soil Edaphic Factors on Collembola Diversity: A Case Study

Edaphic factors—integral components of soil ecosystems—govern the diversity, distribution, and ecological functions of soil biota, including Collembola (springtails), vital yet understudied bioindicators of soil health. This study examines the seasonal dynamics of Collembola communities and their response to edaphic variables in flower fields of East Medinipur, West Bengal, India, a region characterized by intensive floriculture. Over 12 months, soil samples were collected from fields cultivating marigold (Tagetes spp.), chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.), and tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), representing both organic and conventional management practices. Soil physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) were analyzed using standardized protocols. Collembola were extracted via aspirators and modified Tullgren funnels, identified taxonomically, and assessed using biodiversity indices (Shannon-Weiner, Simpson). Statistical analyses (Seasonal abundance, Principal Component Analysis) revealed significant seasonal and management-driven variations in Collembola abundance and diversity. Results demonstrated peak Collembola abundance during the pre-monsoon season, correlating with optimal soil pH (6.5 – 7.5) and organic carbon (0.50 – 0.75%), while monsoon reduced populations by 40%. Soil Electrical Conductivity and nitrogen (285 – 450 Kg/ha) were key predictors of community composition, favoring Isotomidae and Entomobryidae families. Electrical conductivity (>1.2 dS/m) negatively impacted diversity, highlighting sensitivity to salinity. Organically managed fields exhibited 30% higher Collembola richness than conventional systems, underscoring the detrimental effects of synthetic agrochemicals. This study establishes edaphic factors as critical drivers of Collembola dynamics in agroecosystems, emphasizing their role in sustaining soil fertility and ecosystem services. Findings advocate for organic farming and soil health-centric practices to enhance Collembola-mediated processes like nutrient cycling and fungal regulation. By integrating soil mesofauna conservation into agricultural strategies, this work contributes to sustainable floriculture in tropical regions vulnerable to soil degradation.