Efectos del uso del suelo sobre las comunidades de artrópodos en un agroecosistema en la provincia de Loja, Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of land use on the arthropod community, examining changes in arthropod orders and their abundance. The arthropods were sampled in three land uses: cropland, forest and coffee plantation in the "Fina" Finca located in the parish of Malacatos. A Malaysian trap was installed for each land use. A total of 12,313 arthropods belonging to 12 orders were recorded during the study. Clustering was detected among the arthropod community. The abundance of arthropods was shown to differ among the land uses. Greater abundance was found in the cropland areas, and less abundant in the forest. Four orders of arthropods were recognized as indicators of habitat and diversity. Therefore, the organic management practices of "Fina" Finca favor the abundance of arthropods, and it is suggested that conventional farmers adopt good practices that allow the conservation of these organisms. With the arthropods found on the "Fina" Finca, information will be provided for management and conservation purposes on this finca.