Macrofauna edáfica no Parque Municipal de Maceió, Alagoas

Abstract

The macrofauna is represented by organisms ≥ 2.0 mm, responsible for the decomposition of organic matter, seed dispersal, biological control, in addition to being considered indicators of soil quality. The objective was to evaluate the soil macrofauna, in three environments with different types of vegetation cover, in a Conservation Unit, in Maceió, Alagoas, from August 2018 to June 2019. The research was carried out in the Geographical Mesoregion of Eastern Alagoas and Microregion of Maceió in the Conservation Unit area of the Parque Municipal de Maceió, composed of Remaining Atlantic Forest (Ombrophilous Forest). In the evaluation of the edaphic macrofauna, Provid-type traps were used, which remained in the field for 96 hours. Organisms were identified at the order level. The abundance was quantified and the Shannon (H) and Pielou (e) ecological indices were applied. The Soil Water Content (SWC), and soil temperature (ST) at a depth of 10 cm, and rainfall (PP) were quantified. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and their means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. Pearson correlation estimates were performed between the abundance and richness data of the edaphic macrofauna, with the environmental variables (soil water content, soil temperature and rainfall). Both tests (Tukey and Pearson) were performed using R software version 3.4.4. Area I is the environment with the greatest richness and abundance, due to the favorable conditions of the place in relation to the variety of food and shelter found in the litter, together with abiotic factors, soil water content and temperature; Hymenoptera is the dominant group in Area I, Area II and Area III, evidenced by the low values of the Shannon and Pielou indices, as they are well adapted to anthropic conditions; The edaphoclimatic variables significantly influence the edaphic macrofauna, with temperature having an influence on abundance, soil water content has an influence on richness and rainfall influences both variables. Actions that minimize the impacts of human interventions on ecosystems of the Maceió Municipal Park are recommended, through awareness campaigns for the surrounding population for the conservation of the forest and invertebrates (macrofauna), aiming at maintaining the balance of the present ecosystems, as well as the conservation of other “green islands” in the city; It is recommended that teachers encourage student visits to Conservation Units, such as the Municipal Park of Maceió, to promote environmental education activities in loco, in an interdisciplinary way, involving teachers (Geography and Biology) in the collection and cataloging of insects for production of entomological boxes, with an approach on the importance and economics of invertebrates (macrofauna).