Mesofauna as an indicator of agroecosystem stability: degree of artificialization effect on land uses in Azul district, Argentina

Abstract

Chronic anthropogenic stress agents include the different tillage systems, which usually influence the population metrics of cryptofauna communities. Among them, the edaphic mesofauna is sensitive to natural and anthropogenic disturbances of the environment, producing changes in its specific composition and abundance. This allows us to select it as an indicator of disturbances generated in the stability of the ecosystem by land use. Taking these into consideration, the objective of this work was to study the effect of the degree of artificialization in land use on the stability of the agroecosystem through mesofauna. The study area was located in an environment of peripheral hills of the district of Azul. Four sites were selected in similar geoenvironments, with different degrees of artificialization of land use. Edaphic parameters were analysed in each site, and mesofauna individuals were identified through keys for population analysis. Mesofauna population metrics were analysed. Biological indicators were applied. Through mesofauna it was possible to differentiate sites with different degrees of artificialization by land use. Biological indicators allowed us to determine the stability of agroecosystems.