Lebedev Yu. M. , Gongalsky K. B. ,  Gorbunova A. Yu.,  Zaitsev A. S. Decomposition of Rice Straw by Woodlice (Isopoda, Oniscidea) and Millipedes (Myriapoda, Diplopoda) in the Soils of Kalmykia in a Laboratory Experiment // Arid ecosystems. 2020. V. 26. № 3 (84). P. 88-92. | PDF

Rice crop residues are one of the most difficult to decompose agricultural wastes in arid ecosystems. A laboratory experiment was carried out on the decomposition of rice straw by woodlice and millipedes, inhabiting dry steppes of Kalmykia (Russia). Five individuals of each of two species of woodlice (Armadillidium vulgare and Protracheoniscus kryszanovskii) and two species of millipedes (Brachydesmus assimilis and Cylindroiulus sp.) were placed in microcosms with soil and 2.5 grams rice straw amended. Straw mass significantly decreased for all species by approximately 50% on average within 4 months of the experiment duration. The content of organic matter in the soil before and after the experiment has not significantly changed, which allows us to suggest that selected species of woodlice and diplopods consume and thus utilize rice straw at least in experimental conditions.

Keywords: Biodegradation, Isopoda, Diplopoda, crop residue recycling, recalcitrant organic matter.

DOI: 10.24411/1993-3916-2020-10111