Work

Investigation on above- and belowground macrofauna in agricultural fields in Finland

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Agricultural fields host a wide variety of soil-dwelling invertebrates, yet their diversity remains poorly studied in Finland. The aim of this study was to investigate above- and belowground macrofauna in ten agricultural fields in Jokioinen, southern Finland. Sampling was conducted in summer 2025 using a onetime, timed handcollecting method targeting visible invertebrates. In total, 507 specimens were collected, representing 82 taxa (56 species and 26 higherlevel taxa). Beetles comprised the largest proportion of the collected specimens (50%), followed by earthworms (22%) and spiders (13%). Other taxa included ants, true bugs, insect larvae, snails, harvestmen, woodlice, cockroaches, springtails, mites and potworms. All identified species were common in Finland and classified as Least Concern (LC) under the IUCN Red List framework. The presence of detritivores, herbivores (including pest species), and predators indicates functional soil food webs. This study provides baseline data on agrobiodiversity that can support future biodiversity assessments in Finnish agroecosystems.

Source: Memoranda Societatis pro fauna et flora Fennica

Authors: Elo, Riikka, Pohjanlehto, Ida, Österman, Emil, Hagner, Marleena

Language: English

Topic: Invertebrate Taxonomy and Ecology

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7224688285

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