THE EFFECTS OF CLEAR-CUTTING AND LIMING ON THE SOIL MACROFAUNA OF A BEECH FOREST

The effect of clear-cutting and liming on abundance, dominance structure and trophic composition of the soil macrofauna (Lumbricidae, Diptera, Coleoptera and Chilopoda) was studied in a beech wood forest on an acidic brown-earth. Sampling methods were ground photo-eclectors and funnel extraction. The various taxa and nutritional groups of Diptera responded differently to the environmental changes caused by clear-cutting and liming. The same was true for the species and taxa of Coleoptera. Lumbricidae and Chilopoda were favoured by the liming treatment. The factors determining the change in population densities are discussed. Abiotic factors, especially soil moisture, and biotic factors, such as dead plant biomass and predation, are considered to be of prime importance. A change of moder soil into mull soil after liming is observed.