Effects of land use in Southwestern Madagascar on soil faunal feeding activity and litter decomposition

Soil fauna are actively involved in essential ecosystem functions, including the decomposition of organic matter and mineralization of nutrients. This study was part of a long-term study on the effects of different land uses and ambient conditions on the soil biota of the Mahafaly Plateau in southwestern Madagascar. We used bait-lamina tests and litter bags to assess the feeding activity of the soil fauna and decomposition rates. Five villages in the Coastal Plain and five villages on the plateau were selected to study soil faunal functions between the different local land use systems along the transect Coastal Plain- Plateau gradient. For each village, nine land use classes were selected. The results showed that feeding activity was high from 8 to 10 cm depth. Significant differences in bait lamina perforations were observed between the dry and wet seasons. The feeding activity of soil fauna was more significant in the Coastal Plain. Litter decomposition was more intense on the plateau. Maximum feeding activity and litter decomposition were observed in the new crop plots.