SURVEY OF EDAPHIC MACROFAUA IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AREAS IN MARANHÃO

Abstract

Analysis of soil macrofaunal community structure can contribute to our understanding of soil dynamics and bioindicators. This study aimed to survey the biodiversity of soil macrofauna in two Environmental Protection Areas (EPA) in Maranhão State, Brazil. Experimental sites were as follows: site I, Buriti do Meio EPA; and site II, Inhamum EPA. Provid-type traps were used to sample soil macrofaunal individuals. A faunistic analysis was carried out, and diversity, evenness, and richness indices of orders were calculated using ANAFAU software. Overall, 6,695 individuals were collected, distributed in 15 orders. Hymenoptera was the most prominent order at both sites, being considered superdominant, superabundant, superfrequent, and constant. Rainfall may directly interfere with the abundance of soil macrofaunal individuals. Site II showed greater richness, diversity, and evenness. This study revealed that agricultural management practices interfere with the behavior of soil macrofauna, showing that soil organisms are more abundant in more preserved environments and may therefore serve as bioindicators of soil quality.