A mesofaunal investigation of the soil in a thorntree [Acacia karroo] biotope

Abstract

This investigation is part of a research project on the faunal compositions of soils under different vegetation in the Potchefstroom area (Transvaal, South Africa). The different types of vegetation included sweet thorn-trees (Acacia karroo), kik,zyu. grass (Penniset= clandestinura), "rooigras" (Themeda triandra) and eragrostis grass (Eragrostis curvula). This study comprised the determination of the faunal and floral composition, temperature, humidity, physical and chemical properties of the soil as well as biomass estimation of the fauna. Thirteen monthly sanples, each consisting of 18 random subsamples, were taken during September 1962- September 1963. The following main groups were collected: Acari, Collembola, Insects (excluding Collembola), Araneida and Psendoscorpionida. The Acari, the numerically dominant group, were represented by the Trombidiformes, Oribatei, liiesostigc:iata and Acaridiae, in this order of nUL1erical importance.