Eur. J. Entomol. 92 (3): 573-580, 1995
The role of soil predators in decomposition processes
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There is a limited number of papers which deal with the significance of predation in the decomposer food chain. Microcosm experiments conducted in order to examine the role of predatory microfauna (Protozoa, Nematoda) showed that they increase the rate of decomposition of organic material and enhance the mineralization rate of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Experimental results on the importance of larger predators, belonging to the meso- and macrofauna (Acarina, Araneae, Carabidae, Formicidae) were less consistent. In most cases ii was found that they can retard the process of organic matter decomposition and contribute to system stabilization. However, in some experiments their effect on the decomposition rate was negligible.
Data concerning food composition of spiders show that these animals can be included both in the grazing and detrital food chains. It is likely that assemblages of spiders can affect decomposition processes.
Keywords: Spiders, predation, soil fauna, decomposition rate
Accepted: April 6, 1995; Published: August 30, 1995 Show citation
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