Soil invertebrates of Lasiurus sindicus based grazing lands: impact of management and grazing intensity

摘要

Arid Western plains of India are dominated by pasture and grazing lands. Lasiurus sindicus (LS) is the dominant na-tive grass species growing on sandy plains and low dunes under the low rainfall extreme desert climate. Palatability and higher crude protein (8-14% in early vegetative growth, 4-6% in 80-120 days of growth) make this grass a highly preferred grazing species. Since drought is frequent (47%) in this part of the country the LS grasslands are un-dertremendous grazing pressures and classified under poor or very poor condition for livestock. It is imperative to re-store the natural resources on which this grassland depends.Soil invertebrates especially soil collembola and mites are an integral part of this grassland ecosystem. Their community structure changes in response to the changes in management and other factors, and may serve as a tool for rapid impact assessment ofrestoration measures. With this background. Lasiurus sindicus grazing lands in Jaisalmer District of Western Rajasthan of India were evaluated, to understand the impact of grazing intensity and management practices on the community structure of the soil inverte-urates.