Differences in the Abundance of Collembola in Secondary Forests and Coffee Agroforestry

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 5 views

Introduction

The study of the composition of the Collembola community on the ground in secondary forests and coffee agroforestry in Kutagugung Village, Namanteran District, Karo Regency, was carried out in May to September 2013. The research aimed to investigate the diversity of Collembola in these two different ecosystems and to understand the impact of habitat conditions on the abundance and composition of Collembola species. The study is significant because it provides valuable information on the importance of Collembola in ecosystems and their role in decomposition, soil fertility, and nutrient cycling.

Methodology

The research was conducted in two locations: secondary forests and coffee agroforestry. The sampling technique used was purposive random sampling with the Pitfall Trap method. This method is effective in collecting Collembola species, as it allows them to fall into the trap and be collected. The results of the study showed that there were 2 orders, 5 families, and 12 Collembola species in both locations.

Differences in the Abundance of Collembola in Secondary Forests and Coffee Agroforestry

The results of the study showed that secondary forests had a higher abundance of Collembola, with a total of 121,417 individuals/m², compared to coffee agroforestry, which had a total of 109,475 individuals/m². The frequency of the presence of Collembola in both locations was categorized as "Accidental" to "Accessory". This suggests that Collembola are more abundant in secondary forests, which may be due to the richer organic vegetation and detritus in these forests.

Dominant Species at Each Location

In secondary forests, the dominant Collembola species were Entomobrya sp.1, Lepidosira sp., and Ptenothrix sp. These species had a relative abundance (KR) value > 10% and attendance frequency (FK) > 25%. In coffee agroforestry, the dominant species were Entomobrya sp.2, Homidia sp., and Pseudosinella sp. The composition of species with the highest value in the secondary forest was Lepidosira sp., while in the coffee agroforestry, it was Entomobrya sp.2 and Pseudosinella sp.

Deeper Analysis

The difference in the abundance of Collembola in both locations shows a significant effect of habitat conditions. Secondary forests, which are richer in organic vegetation and detritus, provide habitats that are more supportive for Collembola. On the other hand, coffee agroforestry, with a simpler vegetation structure and the use of chemical fertilizers, may result in a decrease in the abundance of Collembola. This suggests that habitat conditions play a crucial role in determining the abundance and composition of Collembola species.

The Importance of Collembola for Ecosystems

Collembola play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter, increases soil fertility, and helps the nutritional cycle. Changes in the composition of the Collembola community can have an impact on the health of ecosystems and the preservation of ecosystem functions. This study provides a better understanding of the diversity of Collembola in secondary forests and coffee agroforestry, which can be useful to assess the impact of habitat changes on the Collembola population and produce a more sustainable management strategy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study of the composition of the Collembola community in secondary forests and coffee agroforestry in Kutagugung Village provides valuable information on the diversity of Collembola in these ecosystems. The results of the study show that secondary forests have a higher abundance of Collembola, which may be due to the richer organic vegetation and detritus in these forests. The study also highlights the importance of Collembola in ecosystems and their role in decomposition, soil fertility, and nutrient cycling. This information can be useful to assess the impact of habitat changes on the Collembola population and produce a more sustainable management strategy.

Recommendations

Based on the results of the study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research is needed to investigate the impact of habitat changes on the Collembola population in secondary forests and coffee agroforestry.
The use of chemical fertilizers in coffee agroforestry should be minimized or avoided to maintain the health of ecosystems and the preservation of ecosystem functions.
The conservation of secondary forests is essential to maintain the diversity of Collembola and other species that depend on these forests.
Sustainable management strategies should be developed to maintain the health of ecosystems and the preservation of ecosystem functions.

Limitations of the Study

The study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in only two locations, which may not be representative of the entire region.
The sampling technique used may not be effective in collecting all Collembola species.
The study did not investigate the impact of other factors, such as climate change, on the Collembola population.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on investigating the impact of habitat changes on the Collembola population in secondary forests and coffee agroforestry. Additionally, research should be conducted to investigate the impact of other factors, such as climate change, on the Collembola population.

Q: What is Collembola?

A: Collembola, also known as springtails, are a group of small, wingless insects that are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas. They are an important part of the ecosystem, playing a key role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Q: What is the significance of Collembola in ecosystems?

A: Collembola play a crucial role in ecosystems, contributing to decomposition and nutrient cycling. They help to break down organic matter, releasing nutrients that are essential for plant growth. They also serve as a food source for other animals, such as birds, bats, and spiders.

Q: What are the main differences between secondary forests and coffee agroforestry in terms of Collembola abundance?

A: The study found that secondary forests had a higher abundance of Collembola, with a total of 121,417 individuals/m², compared to coffee agroforestry, which had a total of 109,475 individuals/m². This suggests that secondary forests provide a more supportive habitat for Collembola.

Q: What are the dominant Collembola species in secondary forests and coffee agroforestry?

A: In secondary forests, the dominant Collembola species were Entomobrya sp.1, Lepidosira sp., and Ptenothrix sp. In coffee agroforestry, the dominant species were Entomobrya sp.2, Homidia sp., and Pseudosinella sp.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings for ecosystem management?

A: The study's findings suggest that secondary forests are more supportive of Collembola populations, which is important for ecosystem health and function. This highlights the importance of conserving and restoring secondary forests to maintain ecosystem services.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in only two locations, which may not be representative of the entire region.
The sampling technique used may not be effective in collecting all Collembola species.
The study did not investigate the impact of other factors, such as climate change, on the Collembola population.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should focus on investigating the impact of habitat changes on the Collembola population in secondary forests and coffee agroforestry. Additionally, research should be conducted to investigate the impact of other factors, such as climate change, on the Collembola population.

Q: What are the practical applications of the study's findings?

A: The study's findings can be used to inform ecosystem management decisions, such as:

Conservation and restoration of secondary forests to maintain ecosystem services.
Development of sustainable management strategies for coffee agroforestry to minimize the impact on Collembola populations.
Investigation of the impact of other factors, such as climate change, on Collembola populations.

Q: What are the next steps for this research?

A: The next steps for this research include:

Conducting further studies to investigate the impact of habitat changes on Collembola populations in secondary forests and coffee agroforestry.
Investigating the impact of other factors, such as climate change, on Collembola populations.
Developing practical applications of the study's findings to inform ecosystem management decisions.