Abstract 2 How to cite the abstract: Berger H., Foissner W., Adam H. (1984): Effects of ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2SO4) on soil testacea, ciliates, and nematodes. - The Journal of Protozoology, Supplement 31: 59A, Abstract 215. Effects of Ammonium Sulphate ((NH4)2SO4) on Soil Testacea, Ciliates, and Nematodes, HELMUT BERGER, WILHELM FOISSNER, and HANS ADAM Institut fuer Zoologie der Universität Salzburg, Akademiestrasse 26, A-5020 Salzburg (Austria). High amounts of ammonium sulphate (AS) are used occasionally to stabilize the snow-cover of ski trails. Hence, we treated 3 sites of an alpine pasture with 100 (1), 400 (2) and 1200 (3) kg AS/ha on June 13, 1983. On July 5, Sep. 5, and Oct. 18, 1983 samples were taken. Testacea: There were no conspicuous differences in the species number. The abundances were always rather similar at the fertilized sites, but showed inverse dynamics to the control (c). Although all sites shared equal abundances on average, the biomass was 60% higher in (3) than at the other sites, due to the higher dominance of Centropyxis aerophila var. sphagnicola, a larger species. Contrary, CHARDEZ et al. (Rev. Ecol. Biol. Sol, 1972, 9, 185-196) reported a 2/3 loss of testacean biomass three years after urea application. The average ratio of full:empty tests was 1:1 at (1), (2) and (c), whereas it was 1:1,4 in (3). This suggests an increased turnover at this site. Ciliata (culture method!): Qualitative changes were inconspicuous and independent from the AS concentration. On Oct. 18, the abundances at the treated sites were 2-3 times higher than at the control plot. VISWANATH and PILLAI (J. Ind. Inst. Sci., 1977, 59, 113-120) found more ciliates in soils fertilized with superphosphate too. Nematoda: On July 5, they showed a remarkable quantitative decrease, perhaps due to a toxic effect of the fertilizer, but on Oct. 18 three times higher values were obtained at the fertilized sites. This pilot study suggests that "normal" concentrations of AS do not effect the soil protozoa. Only high amounts of this fertilizer cause changes in the community structure of the micro-edaphon. (Supported by the "Forschungsinstitut Gastein-Tauernregion"). Links Homepage www.protozoology.com Publication list of Helmut Berger Publisher Helmut Berger Main publication to this topic Keywords: Düngung, Stickstoff, Sulfur, Schneezement, Bodenbiologie, Boden, Biologie, soil science, Protozoa, Protista, Schipiste, Schi Piste, ski trail, run, Alps, alpine, Alpen, Gastein, Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgeastein, Salzburg, Austria, Europe, Zentralalpen, Hohe Tauern, testate Amoeba, Ciliophora, ciliates, biological indicator, ecology, Wiese, Weide, Humus, Schifahren, Schisport, Präparierung, Piste, slope, Fadenwürmer, Rädertiere, eutropication Top Dr Helmut BERGER Consulting Engineering Office for Ecology - Technisches Büro für Ökologie Radetzkystrasse 10, 5020 Salzburg, Austria, Europe Phone +43-(0)662-432538; Fax +43-(0)662-443139; email office@protozoology.com; http://www.protozoology.com