Effect of land use on soil macrofauna in Southern Ghana

ABSTRACT

The study explored the impact of land use changes on soil biodiversity, focussing on soil invertebrates in a converted natural forest. Using parallel transects 1 km in length positioned 200 m apart across cocoa, coffee, and cashew farms and natural forest areas, we sampled soil invertebrates with pitfall traps. The findings reveal a significant decline in soil invertebrate populations in cocoa, coffee, and cashew farmlands compared to natural forest. The number of soil invertebrates recorded in the wet season was generally less than the number found in the dry season. Mean soil invertebrate count in the natural forest was approximately double that of the count in cashew farms. Soil invertebrate density was highest in the dry season in the natural forest and lowest in the cashew farms. The study contributes a holistic understanding of the intricate relationships between land use changes and soil biodiversity, emphasizing the urgency of adopting conservation measures and policy interventions to safeguard the rich diversity of soil ecosystems for future generations.

KEYWORDS:

• Abundance
• diversity
• land use types
• plantations
• soil invertebrate
• communities

Acknowledgements

The authors extend their sincere gratitude to the diligent students who contributed to the meticulous data collection process. Additionally, heartfelt appreciation goes to the skilled lab technician whose expertise and assistance were invaluable in conducting the intricate insect identification.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Novelty of research

The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive and integrated approach to examining the impact of specific land use changes on soil biodiversity, encompassing soil invertebrates, seasonal dynamics, and ecological connections, and advocating for practical applications in conservation and policy frameworks. This multifaceted exploration contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between land use alterations and soil ecosystems, offering valuable insights for sustainable land management practices and biodiversity conservation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Daniel Ako Tetteh

Daniel Ako Tetteh serves as a lecturer at Aketen Appiah University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development within the department of Environmental Health and Sanitation Education. He holds a PhD in Environmental Science from the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies at the University of Ghana. Dr. Tetteh specializes in conservation biology with a focus on biodiversity studies and ecosystem services in agroecological landscapes and sustainable agriculture. He has conducted extensive research in cocoa-growing communities and regions throughout Ghana, investigating various aspects of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Isaac Amos

Isaac Amos serves as an assistant registrar and is currently the Campus Head of Works, Physical Development, and Facility Management at Akenten Appiah Menkah University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development in Ghana. Mr. Isaac Amos holds an MSc in Environmental Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, as well as a BSc in Agriculture Technology from the University for Development Studies, both located in Ghana. His interests lie in community water quality assessments, land reclamation, and environmental resource sustainability management for future generations in Africa. Through his local and community initiatives, he has successfully reclaimed illegally mined lands, implemented afforestation around endangered rivers and streams, and prevented pollution of water bodies by small-scale farmers within certain catchment areas in Ghana.