Responses of soil Collembolans to vegetation restoration in temperate coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests

A total of 900 soil samples were collected from five habitats, including primary coniferous broad-leaved mixed forests, secondary coniferous broad-leaved mixed forests, secondary broad-leaved forests, secondary shrub forests, and cutover lands in spring, summer, and autumn to quantify responses of soil Collembolans (springtails) to the restoration of vegetation of temperate coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests. The results reveal that the taxonomic composition of Collembolans varied in the different stages of vegetation restoration. Seasonal variations were in regard to their abundance and richness. High similarities existed in Collembola communities at different stages of vegetation restoration, and distribution patterns of Collembola taxa displayed an evenness throughout all habitats. Soil Collembolans tended to gather on litter layers and soil surface; the highest abundance was found in the upper 5 cm soil layer during the initial stages of vegetation recovery. Tomocerus, Proisotoma, and Folsomia genera responded positively to the restoration of vegetation. However, responses of Ceratophysella and Parisotoma genera were negative. In addition, the Onychiuridae family did not respond to the vegetation restoration process. It was concluded that restoration of vegetative cover can increase the abundance of soil Collembolans, but different genera respond differently.