Castano et al. 2014, (Article) Tillandsia

Correlation between arthropods and physical and chemical characteristics of water and soil retained in Tillandsia violacea (Bromeliaceae) in an abies-quercus forest in Central Mexico

Author(s):—G. Castaño M., I. Mercado, N. García C. & J.G. Palacios V.

Corresponding email:—gabycast99@hotmail.com

Publication:—Applied Ecology and Environmental Research 12(1): 179-192. (2014,)

Abstract:—The effect of the support tree species and the seasonal and altitudinal variations on the
physical-chemical characteristics of the water and soil accumulated in plants of the epiphytic bromeliad
Tillandsia violacea were studied in “El Chico” National Park, a temperate forest from Hidalgo, in Central
Mexico. The relationship of these factors with arthropods living in theme was also studied. It was found
that the tree support species influenced the ions concentration in water and soil. The highest values of
ions were found in plants from Abies religiosa. Altitude and the season of sampling affected calcium
concentrations, as well as pH of soil and water accumulated on epiphytic Tillandsia. Electrical
conductivity, calcium and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in epiphytic water accounted for more than
60% of the variation in the density of arthropods. In the accumulated soil pH (among 3.4-8.3), organic
carbon content (17.16-30.07 mg g-1), sodium and potassium concentrations (0.26-1.43, 0.49-34.87 cmol +
kg-1, respectively) were the most important factors correlated with the total fauna abundance. These
results showed the role of epiphytic plants as refuges and nutrient source for arthropod communities and
their influence on energy flow in this ecosystem.

Keywords:—Altitude, dissolved organic carbon, ions contents, nutrients, suspended soils.