Influence of Pre-Sowing Operations on Soil-Dwelling Fauna in Soybean Cultivation

The aim of this study was to determine the effects different pre-sowing operations on abundance and composition total soil fauna in soybean cultivation, with special attention carabids as biological indicators agroecosystem quality. conducted central Croatia six activities (cover crop, mulching, ploughing, glyphosate, fertiliser removal, conventional tillage). Pitfall traps were used collect April, June September. After determining fauna, their coenological characteristics calculated statistical analysis performed. During study, 7836 individuals collected. consisted 84% beneficial, 8% harmful indifferent fauna. Class Insecta most numerous a proportion 56%, members family Carabidae (1622 individuals), followed by class Arachnida (40%). number collected influenced interaction between pre-seeding intervention sampling date. Pre-seeding interventions that did not involve affect at beginning vegetation. Mechanical warmer drier weather have negative effect As season progresses, influence crops decreases. It seems reduction mechanical shallow seed layer has positive species richness or diversity. Of particular note is large beneficial insects currently colonise area, characterising stable natural equilibrium.