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Soil near mature oaks is refugium for soil mites (Acari, Mesostigmata) in managed forests

ABSTRACT Forests create harbour different soil mite communities due to their high spatial heterogeneity, within which microhabitats become biodiversity hotspots or refugia. This study aimed to characterize and contrast the mesostigmatid mite communities in the vicinity of two such microhabitats: growing trees and decayed clear-cut stumps in comparison to the general soil matrix. Studies were conducted in mature, managed oak (Quercus robur L.) Experimental Forests near Kórnik (Central Poland). Samples of soil with litter were collected from three forest floor microhabitats: near stumps (distance<10 cm), near growing trees (distance<10 cm), and the soil matrix (distance from tree or stump >3 m). Soil environment was characterized by bulk density, actual soil moisture, pH of soil and litter, total carbon and nitrogen, C to N ratio, and soil organic matter. Mite abundance was greatest in soil near growing trees, and was also affected by bulk density and soil pH. Soil characteristics affected neither species richness nor diversity. Species richness was the highest near stump (30 species), but similar richness occurred near (25) and away (26) from growing trees (25). Overall, both living trees and stumps harboured a different community compared to the soil matrix and living trees especially maintain populations of soil mites in oak forests.