Microarthropod and ciliated protozoa soil communities in six central Italian beech forests

S11.02-P -19 MICROARTHROPOD AND CILIATED PROTOZOA SOIL COMMUNITIES IN SIX CENTRAL ITALIAN BEECH FORESTS Menta Cristina*[3], Bharti Daizy[2], Kumar Santosh[2], Conti Federica Delia[3], Marinsalti Silvia[2], Insom Emilio[2], La Terza Antonietta[2] [1]Parma University ~ Department of Evolutionary and Functional Biology ~ Parma ~ Italy [2]University of Camerino ~ School of Environmental Sciences ~ Camerino (MC) ~ Italy [3]University of Parma ~ Department of Evolutionary and Functional Biology ~ Parma ~ Italy Edaphic fauna play a key role in many soil functions such as organic matter decomposition, humus formation and nutrient elements cycling; moreover, they affect the porosity, aeration, infiltration and distribution of organic matter in soil horizons, modifying soil structure and improving soil fertility. In this study, six beech forests located in three areas of the centre of the Italian Apennine were studied to evaluate the microarthropod and ciliate communities, in order to evaluate their potential as a soil biodiversity reservoir. Microarthropod abundances, Acari/Collembola ratio, biodiversity indices and QBS-ar index were calculated. Microarthropod communities were found to be rich and well diversified in all of the six beech forests, characterized by typical groups generally present in woods with good natural conditions. The number of taxa ranged between 10 and 14 in the six forests and in all sites important groups such as Symphyla, Chilopoda, Pauropoda and Protura were present. Pseudoscorpiones were found in four forests while Isopoda were present only in two forests. Ciliate communities were investigated by means of qualitative and quantitative methods. Abundance, dominance, species diversity and C/P quotient (ratio of r-selected colpodean and kselected polyhymenophorean ciliates) were calculated. A total of 27 ciliate species belonging to 10 order, 14 families and 17 genera were recorded from three sites. Colpoda, Gonostomum and Spathidium were the dominant genus. Species richness ranged from 13 to 16 for all the sites. Biological quality and edaphic community composition highlighted the importance of beech forests in the protection policy of soil biodiversity.