Efeito do tipo de regeneração na riqueza, biomassa e densidade de minhocas na Reserva Biológica do Gurupi

Abstract

The conversion of Amazonian forests into pasturelands and the impact of fire directly alter soil quality and soil macrofauna communities, including earthworms—key organisms for maintaining soil structure and fertility. This study evaluated the effects of two types of forest regeneration—after pasture abandonment and after fire—on earthworm richness, biomass, and density in the Gurupi Biological Reserve, comparing these areas with a conserved native forest and assessing the influence of topography (high and low areas). Samples were collected between 2022 and 2023 using quantitative (TSBF) and qualitative methods for evaluating different types of land use, topography and interaction. Results show that species richness varied significantly among land-use histories and topographic positions, with the highest values observed in native forests, especially near drainage zones. Biomass and density did not differ significantly across forest types using only quantitative methods; however, when qualitative sampling was included, pasture-regenerated areas exhibited lower biomass (land use 0.02144 x topography 0.2044), while fire-regenerated areas showed higher earthworm density (land use 0.141 x topography 0.4287). These findings demonstrate that land-use history influences the recovery of earthworm communities and that lowland areas promote higher diversity and abundance due to greater moisture and organic matter availability. This research enhances the understanding of how land-use and forest regeneration affect soil fauna, providing valuable insights for conservation and ecological restoration strategies in the Eastern Amazon.