Potential of oribatid mites in biodegradation and mineralization for enhancing plant productivity

Year 2019, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 101 - 122, 31.07.2019

Mohamed Abdul Haq

Abstract

The degradation
of litter is an essential process of the soil ecosystem leading to nutrient
cycling and is mediated by a heterogeneous group of soil organisms. Oribatid
mites represent one of the predominant agents of litter biodegradation in the
soil. The ubiquitous presence and extensive diversity of this group of mites
make them integral to the process of mineralization of litter in almost all
types of soil ecosystems. However, an overall assessment of the mineralization
potential of different groups of oribatid mites depicts the relative advantage
of lower groups of oribatids, namely the lohmannoid and phthiracaroid members,
in the degradation of leafy and woody elements of litter. Degradation of such
complex materials primarily necessitates additional qualities such as strong
and well developed oral and holding appendages, and the presence of the
necessary enteric microflora and associated enzymes, for on-going degradation.
In-depth field and laboratory studies of two representative species of the
above two groups of mites, viz. Atropacarus
(Hoplophorella) chaliyamensis Haq and Xavier, 2005 and Heptacarus hirsutus Wallwork, 1964, with the vegetable crop Vigna unguiculata, clearly demonstrated
that these species make a remarkable contribution to the process of nutrient
cycling. The combined feeding activity of these two species on the woody
elements of litter was found to enhance the release of nitrogen, phosphorous
and potassium, as evidenced by the increased concentration of these minerals in
fecal pellets. However, a decrease in the levels of calcium and magnesium was
observed in the fecal pellets. The decrease in calcium may be accounted for by
its immediate requirement in body maintenance. The impact of oriculture on
plant productivity was evidenced through increased plant growth, higher yield
and better quality of the pods produced by the treated plants.

Keywords

Oribatid mites, biodegradation, nutrient cycling, fertility, plant productivity, oriculture

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