Climatic and litter fall effects on collembolan and oribatid mite species and communities in a beech wood based on a 7 years investigation

During a period of 7 years, between 1989 and 1995, Collembola and Oribatida were investigated in a beech forest on an acid Dystric Cambisol soil in northern Germany. Precipitation and temperature at a nearby climate station were recorded, and litter fall in the forest was measured. For 23 collembolan and 27 oribatid mite species, an analysis was performed concerning the influence of the climate parameters or litter fall on yearly assemblages or single species. Climate influence on the community structure was weak. Composition of the assemblages was relatively constant throughout the period of 7 years. A significant effect was determined for mean annual temperature and July precipitation only. More distinct effects were found in single species. In total, nine collembolan and six oribatid mite species were significantly influenced by litter fall, mean annual temperature, mean January temperature, mean July temperature, total precipitation or July precipitation. Reaction time ranged between 1 and 12 months. Four collembolan species reacted with a retarded yearly occurrence on deep spring temperature. Species diversity of Collembola was negatively correlated with total litter fall, while in oribatid mites the diversity showed a positive correlation.