Effect of management practices on soil fauna in organic orchard in Plovdiv region

Tatyana Bileva, Ekaterina Valcheva, Rada Popova, Galya Dobrevska, Manol Dallev, Slaveya Petrova

Abstract: Different management of apple orchards agrosystems affects soil biodiversity. Organic farming is beneficial for conserving soil fauna and stimulating the decomposition lead to biological activity of the soil and respectively soil fertility. A field study was conducted to examine the influence of agricultural practices on soil fauna. The study was realized on organically managed apple orchard at Agroecological centre of Agricultural University of Plovdiv for two year period (2019-2020). We obtained comprehensive information by monitoring of various agrometeorological factors and agro- technological practices (tillage, mowing, irrigation, pest management and soil analysis). Macro- and micro fauna were observed. Ecological parameters were higher in sward orchard and buffer zone.

Keywords: apple orchard, soil biodiversity, organic farming

Date published: 2022-08-19