Biopores from mole crickets (Scapteriscus spp.) increase soil hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rates

摘要: Abstract Soil organisms can seasonally and temporally influence many factors of soil formation structure. Burrowing insects create biopores resulting in preferential flow through the profile. Most insect species have one or more life stages soil, however, social are primary taxa studied context function structures. Soil-inhabiting southern mole cricket, Scapteriscus borellii Giglio-Tos tawny vicinus Scudder (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae), subterranean tunnels likely alter infiltration hydraulic conductivity. X-ray CT scans were used to generate three-dimensional images tunnel characteristics cricket different soils for various stages. One was introduced a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cylindrical arena filled with allowed construct their 7 days under controlled conditions greenhouse. produced high resolution, renderings architecture. Greenhouse trials also compared conductivity saturated ( K sat ) infested crickets columns earthworms. Additionally, runoff rates field bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon (L.) ×  transvaalensis (Burtt-Davy)) presence absence crickets. Both produce generally ≥2.5 times body width. Southern twice as branches near surface lower Immature adult that similarly constructed yet adults displace about three amount during immatures. Mole 64.1 cm long 208.8 cm 3 volume loamy soils, which is double length clay soils. The similar when earthworms present, but both greater relative arenas no invertebrates. Under conditions, plots where active had 41% reduction 12% un-infested turfgrass. Biopores created by turfgrass pastures may increase movement water solutes from groundwater. This work highlights interconnections between biodiversity function, importance expanding studies on invertebrates beyond few candidate already studied.