The effect of some air pollutants on the vertical distribution of mites (Acari) in soils of young Scots pine forests in Poland

The effect of heavy metals and nitrogen air pollution on the vertical distribution of mites in soils in about 20 year old Scots pine forests was investigated. A high concentration of heavy metals greatly reduced the density and species richness of mites, especially in the Of/h and AEes horizons, whereas a low concentration increased the density in all soil horizons, compared with the control plots. A high concentration of nitrogen pollution reduced slightly the density of mites in all soil horizons, while lower concentrations increased their density: a medium concentration in the Ol and Of/h horizons, and a low concentration in the Ol horizon.