Soil arthropod trophic structure in selected semi-arid regions of South Africa.
Research Outputs:
Progress: Soil arthropod extraction methodologies fine-tuned and established. Soils and composts from eight sites in the Free State, Northern Cape and North West Province investigated with soil type, crop type,litter content, compost composition, soil humidity, invasive species, degree of disturbance and time serving as sample parameters. Datasets analyzed and plotted in a qualitative – quantitative context. On-going species diversity reference collection database set up.
Congress participation:
Du Preez, R & Louw, S vdM 2011. Comparison of soil arthropod richness in different cultivated composts. Proceedings of the XVII Congress of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa, 3 – 6 July 2011, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Entomological Society of Southern Africa, Bloemfontein, p. 43 [Congress abstract].
Louw, S vdM 2011.Ecological integrity in agro-ecosystems: The role of soil-borne insects. Proceedings of the XVII Congress of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa, 3 – 6 July 2011, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Entomological Society of Southern Africa, Bloemfontein, p. 98 [Congress abstract].
Odendaal, T, du Preez, R. & Louw, S vdM 2011. Arthropod diversity in composts of different compositions. Proceedings of the XVII Congress of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa, 3 – 6 July 2011, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa. Entomological Society of Southern Africa, Bloemfontein, p. 129 [Congress abstract].
Louw, S vdM 2011. Restoring ecological integrity in depauperate soils: What are the underlying issues? ‘Interactions’ -Proceedings of 13th Arid Zone Ecology Forum Symposium. 3 – 6 October 2011, Nieuwoudtville, South Africa, p. 9. [Symposium abstract]
Congress attendance:
S vdM Louw attended Advances in Technology and Soilborne Plant Diseases Symposium. 21st Annual Interdisciplinary Symposium, ARC – Plant Protection Research Institute, Vredenburg Research Centre, Stellenbosch. 14 & 15 September 2011.