Comparison of the Tullgren Funnel and Soil Section Methods for Surveying Oribatid Populations

Abstract

A comparison was made of a Tullgren funnel and a soil section method for estimating Oribatid population in a black pine woodland soil. The funnel method was found superior for extracting particularly small species while larger and woodfeeding species were more accurately estimated by the section method. For 8 out of 12 species investigated, the section method was more efficient in comparison to the funnel method. The relative efficiency of the two methods did not vary significantly according to season. Advantages, disadvantages, and scope of each method are discussed.