An Analysis of the Effects of Hedgerow Proximity on Soil Fauna Abundance and Distribution on SSSI Reserve Land Vs. Agricultural Pasture Land

Abstract

The hedgerow which sepearates Charnock Richard Pasture SSSI from the organically
managed pasture land, is over 160 years old, and the SSSI land itself represents an area
of high botanic biodiversity. This high conservation‐value landscape requires careful
and effective management to maintain its importance, both biologically and culturally.
The study investigated the effects of the hedgerow and land use on the soil fauna
abundance, distribution and diversity across four transects. An inventory of soil fauna
at the meso and macro levels was conducted using numerous methods and
techniques. Soil samples were also taken to ascertain any changes in the soil colour,
texture, pH, soil moisture content, soil organic matter content and bulk density, and
subsequently determine whether any of these parameters shared a relationship with
soil fauna abundance.
The results showed a significant difference in the percentage soil moisture content
between land uses, as a result of the topography of the site and the role which the
hedgerow provides in terms of the site’s hydrology.