Seasonal Variations in Numbers
95
160
140
120 -
"i
100
E
iii
80
iii
:I
"0
OJ;
60
'ti
.!:
40
20
Time (months)
Fig. 7.2. Mean monthly numbers of Julidae in the litter samples of a phryganic ecosystem. (Data
from Sgardelis and Margaris 1983)
Table 7.2. Climatic variables, decomposition correlates • and plant growth b in a phryganic ecosystem during the periods November-February (PI), March-May (PH) and June-October (PIlI).
(Sgardelis and Margaris 1983)
PI
PH
PH
Average temperature (OC)
11.67 ± 2.18
15.65 ± 2.68
24.92 ± 1.47
Minimum temperature ( 0c)
8.42 ± 2.68
10.30 ± 3.52
20.39 ± 1.76
Maximum temperature ( 0c)
15.24 ± 2.62
18.29 ± 4.15
29.02 ± 2.00
Mean rainfall (mm)
55.33 ± 16.14
32.28 ± 17.7
7.24 ± 5.66
Minimum rainfall (mm)
11.7 (Nov)
3.6 (May)
o (all summer)
Maximum rainfall (mm)
91.2 (Jan)
54.4 (Mar)
23.2 (Oct)
Dehydrogenase activity
0.237 ±0.06
0.103 ±0.06
0.095 ±0.06
(ng TPF g -1 soil)
Nitrification potential
2.616 ± 0.22
1.95 ± 0.83
0.95 ± 0.45
(g NO -3 g-1 soil.day-t,
NO- 3 (g.g-1 soil)
25.3 ± 5.19
17.66 ± 1.99
22.46 ± 3.65
Plant relative growth rate (RGR)
3.62 ± 1.07
0.66 ± 1.94
-3.05 ± 4.4
• Data from Fouseki and Margaris (1981).
b Data from Margaris (1976).
mation of a superficial litter layer (3 cm in depth) consisting of plant detritus
and animal excrement. As indicated by the presence of large amounts of
dehydrogenase and considerable nitrification activity, this layer is rapidly