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Abstract:
The possible effects of cropping systems on terrestrial invertebrates and on soil physical characteristics
(temperature and humidity) have been studied in várzea areas of the Terra Nova region. The habitats
studied included: monoculture of cacao (Theobroma cacao) and of quiabo (Hibiscus esculentus); mixed
cultures of manga (Mangifera indica), jambo (Eugenia malaccencis), açai (Euterpe oleracea), seringueira
(Hevea brasilien¡is), and banana (Musa sapientum) and a pasture; using a "forest" as control area. The
methodology of Berlese-Tullgren was used with samples taken between March 1987 and March 1988. The
analysis of the different biotopes indicated a dominance by Acari in the five habitats, with a greater
percentage in the H. esculentus monoculture (86.52 %) and in pasture (80.50 %). Collembola is the second
group, with an expressive density in the "forest" (27.52 %). The presence of Diplopoda and Isopoda in the
T. cacao and H. esculentus monocultures (1.46 % and 0.64 %, respectively) is particularly important due
to their role as primary decomposers in forest habitats.
