Changes in alpine meadow epigeal fauna in the Západné Tatry Mts induced by nitrogen and phosphorus additions to the soil, and analysed on example of beetles (Coleoptera) assemblages

Abstract

Changes in structure of an epigaeon were studied in alpine meadows of the Tarry Mts influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus additions. Five sites were compared according to their epigeal beetle fauna. In total we recorded 65 species, including dominant Carabus sylvestris, Otiorhynchus arcticus, Calathus metallicus and Aphodius abdominalis. Communities in the study sites treated with the highest nitrogen amounts (site N15) and with phosphorus (P) reflected significant changes in species composition and abundance in comparison with the background (control) site (C).