Ecological effects assessment of industrial sludge for microarthropods and decomposition in a spruce plantation

Effects of dried, granulated industrial sludge-containing residues of organic pesticides and precursors were assessed for microarthropod fauna and the decomposition of a spruce forest floor. The investigation was highly realistic, using large plots of about 1/2 ha, and the application was done with professional equipment. The ecological effects of the sludge were compared with the ecological effects of an inorganic fertilizer. Decreases in abundance of the microarthropods ranged from 20 to 80% of the control level after 1 year. Isotoma notabilis Schäffer was the only species that exhibited stimulation at twice the control level due to the sludge. The least affected collembolan species was Lepidocyrtus cyaneus Tullberg, a member of the surface-dwelling life forms. Sensitive species were Isotoma anglicana Lubbock and Isotomiella minor Schäffer. In subhabitats with almost no application of sludge due to a heterogeneous horizontal distribution, the microarthropods were still affected to the same degree as those in the zones of maximum application. Laboratory tests with Folsomia candida Willem gave results similar to the effects on field populations concerning the sludge but revealed no adverse effects of the fertilizer. Decomposition was stimulated to the same extent in the field by the two types of fertilizer but in the laboratory the sludge caused the largest stimulation. The effects on the microarthropod fauna are suggested to be the result of a combination of direct toxicity and changes in the microbial community due to fertilizers.