Temporal effects of forest thinning on spring tails (Entomobryomorpha: Collembola) assemblages at pulai (Alstonia scholaris) forest plantation in Banten

Abstract

Abstract Forest thinning affects the forest ecosystem, which changes abundance and diversity of insect species, including ground insects. This study aims to measure and analyze the effects of forest thinning on diversity of Entomobryomorpha at pulai (Alstonia scholaris) forest plantation. The study was carried out in thinning compartment of 15.30 ha. Eight circular sample plots with a radius of 17.8 m were placed systematically in the thinning compartment with a distance between plots of 45 m. A square subplot of 1m x 1m was placed in the center of each circular plotFive pitfall traps were installed in the subplot. Insects were harvested before forest thinning and 7 days after forest thinning. Mann Withney test was used to compare the abundance and composition of morphospecies of Entomobryomorpha before and after forest thinning. Pearson correlation test was used to measure the correlation between insect abundance and environmental factors. Forest thinning decreased the morphospecies composition of Entomobryomorpha and increased the abundance of Entomobryomorpha insects. The abundance of the Entomobryomorpha order correlated significantly with humidity, litter thickness, and canopy cover.