THE EFFECTS OF CLEAR-CUTTING AND LIMING ON THE SOIL MACROFAUNA OF A BEECH FOREST

The effect of clear-cutting and liming on abundance, dominance structu re and trophic composition of the soil macrofauna (Lumbricidae, Dipter a, Coleoptera and Chilopoda) was studied in a beech wood forest on an acidic brown-earth. Sampling methods were ground photo-eclectors and f unnel extraction. The various taxa and nutritional groups of Diptera r esponded differently to the environmental changes caused by clear-cutt ing and liming. The same was true for the species and taxa of Coleopte ra. Lumbricidae and Chilopoda were favoured by the liming treatment. T he factors determining the change in population densities are discusse d. Abiotic factors, especially soil moisture, and biotic factors, such as dead plant biomass and predation, are considered to be of prime im portance. A change of moder soil into mull soil after liming is observ ed.