Publicação on-line; 30 ref.; 2 tables; 4 illus.; Summary (En)

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of the soil macrofauna in coffee
production systems, as well as their relationship with edaphic properties. Therefore, two coffee
production systems were selected: coffee plantations at full-sun with conventional management
(Intensive) and shaded coffee plantations with organic management (Traditional). In each crop
system, three soil samples were collected randomly, in the form of blocks (25 × 25 cm), to a soil
depth of 10 cm. In total, 17,109 individuals were recorded in this study being the Oligochaeta
group the most representative, regardless of the coffee production system. The average density of
soil macrofauna was higher in traditional coffee plantations (p < 0.05) due to the higher density
of Oligochaeta, Diplopoda and Blattodea. The traditional coffee plantations provided a better
soil chemical fertility reflected in the principal component analysis. Furthermore, these chemical
attributes probably could affect the occurrence of the soil macrofauna groups.

Keywords: co-inertia analysis, organic management, shade trees, edaphic fauna.