Effects of millipede activity on soil nutrient dynamics under controlled microcosm conditions

Shiva Sasidharan; Reena P George

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VOL. 8, ISSUE 4 (2026)

Effects of millipede activity on soil nutrient dynamics under controlled microcosm conditions

Authors

Shiva Sasidharan, Reena P George

Abstract

Millipedes are important soil detritivores that contribute significantly to litter decomposition and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. However, experimental evidence on the species-specific effects of millipedes on soil nutrient dynamics remains limited. This study investigated the effects of three millipede species—Aulacobolus gravelyi, Anoplodesmus saussurii, and Phyllogonostreptus sp.—on selected soil properties using a laboratory microcosm experiment. Microcosms containing soil and leaf litter were maintained for 60 days with and without millipedes. At the end of the experiment, soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were analysed.

All measured soil parameters differed significantly among groups (ANOVA: F = 15.41–357.24, P

< 0.05–0.001, R² = 0.85–0.99). Compared with the control, soil containing millipedes showed maisignificantly higher pH, SOC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and EC values (Tukey's HSD, p < 0.05). A. gravelyi recorded the highest SOC content (3.95 ± 0.03). Phosphorus levels were highest in A. gravelyi and Phyllogonostreptus sp. (176.52 ± 1.12 and 177.42 ± 1.84, respectively), and both differed significantly from A. saussurii (140.12 ± 5.53). In contrast, N, K, Ca, Mg and EC did not differ significantly among the three millipede species. In the present study, most significant differences occurred between the control and millipede-treated soils. Millipede activity significantly improved nutrient availability under controlled conditions. Species-specific differences in soil modification suggest that millipedes contribute differently to nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning.

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Pages:49-55

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66856/ijees.2026.8.4.8088

How to cite this article:

Shiva Sasidharan, Reena P George "Effects of millipede activity on soil nutrient dynamics under controlled microcosm conditions". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 8, Issue 4, 2026, Pages 49-55

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