Climate change effects on soil Mesofauna at the GLORIA master site Schrankogel, Austria
Abstract
Permanent plot studies of vascular plant species distribution patterns across the alpine-nival ecotone were conducted at the GLORIA master site Schrankogel (Central Eastern Alps, Austria) since 1994. Climate change effects were investigated and species data showed differential changes in species richness in different plant communities as well as increases of species cover at the upper and decreases at the lower edges of distribution ranges. Observation settings on mount Schrankogel now will be extended by other organism groups. We will test different sampling designs for arthropods (mainly Collembola and Oribatid mites) and attempt to relate the soil mesofauna species richness, abundances and communities with plant community patterns, soil temperature, soil properties, soil microorganisms and will test for influences of climate change. To sample the arthropods, we use soil samples and pitfall traps, collected and placed along an elevation transect on the south-western slope of the mountain (between 2600 and 3450 m). Collembola and Oribatid mites will be identified to species level.
Project staff
Thomas Frank
Univ.Prof. Mag.Dr. Thomas Frank
thomas.frank@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-83311
BOKU Project Leader
01.08.2014 - 30.12.2016