ROLE OF THE FAUNA IN SOIL PROCESSES - TECHNIQUES USING SIMULATED FOREST FLOOR

Laboratory experiments were conducted to test the influence of soil animals on processes such as decomposition, nutrient cycling, and plant growth in northern coniferous forests. The techniques included simulation of a complex pattern of forest floor, controlled air flow through the systems, and automatic measurement of carbon flows. The soil fauna generally enhanced evolution of CO2 and mineralization of N and P from soil and litter, and increased considerably the biomass production and N content of birch seedings. Significant results were also obtained on interactions between different faunal components.