Litter Fragmentation By Isopods as Affected By Herbicide Application

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Abstract
Litter fragmentation, an essential precursor of nutrient cycling, as affected by her- bicides has been studied by sampling black cherry (Prunus serotina, Ehrh.) and birch (Betula verrucosa L.) leaves and litter at different intervals after treatment with her- bicides (2,4,5-T, amitrole or glyphosate) and offering these batchwise or continuously to isopods (Philoscia muscorum Scopoli) in the laboratory. Herbicides have an intended impact on plant biochemistry and change the physico-chemical composition of the leaves. Isopods become affected by direct contact, by direct intake of the herbicide ac- cumulated in the litter and by a reduced consumption rate due to the herbicide. De- pending on the specific combination of litter and herbicide this can promote fragmentation or it can seriously hamper litter fragmentation. Therefore litter fragmentation should become part of a procedure to assess the ecotoxicological impact of soil contaminants on soil fauna.

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