Population diversity of soil macro-fauna in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) fields

Abstract

Soil macro-fauna regarded as a fundamental indicator, responsive to water pollution's impact on agricultural systems' management options. They are an essential part and hence contributing to the pivotal role in all the agro-ecosystems. In the present study, soil macro-faunal diversity was estimated from cauliflower fields (treated and control) in Faisalabad, district, Pakistan. Soil macro-fauna belonging to three phyla were recorded from cauliflower treated and control fields. The maximum relative abundance was recorded for phylum Mollusca (58.18%) from cauliflower control fields. In cauliflower control fields, the macro-fauna population consisted of 52 species, 44 genera and 24 families and nine orders. The cauliflower treated fields consisted of 58 species, 51 genera and 60 families, and 12 orders. Highest diversity index was found in cauliflower treated fields (3.451); the higher dominance was in cauliflower control fields (0.526). Evenness was recorded higher (0.474) in control cauliflower fields, while richness in cauliflower treated fields was recorded higher (8.855) than in control fields (6.499). These agro-farming practices are destroying important organisms, soil texture, hydrological procedures, detoxification, and nutrients recycling. Presently, it is dire need to make conservation strategies for the survival of fauna.