SOIL-INHABITING INVERTEBRATES OF OKO IN ORUMBA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE

Aim: The study was carried out to determine the ecology, diversity and biological functions in soil ecosystems. Study Design: The study was done to explore the ecological importance and response to environmental changes. Place and Duration of Study: The samples were collected from Anambra garden soil between July to December 2018. Methodology: The soil invertebrates were extracted using three different methods: the Berlese funnel technique, direct observation, and sedimentation method. Microsoft Excel 2003 package was used to analyse the prevalence of soil invertebrates. Results: A total of 135 specimens of invertebrates belonging to three phyla (Nematoda, Annelida and Arthropoda) were observed. The prevalence rates of soil inhabiting invertebrates observed were 61nematodes (47.6%) 60 annelids (76.6%) 7arthropods (5.6%), 1 caterpillar (0.78%), 2 termites (1.56%), 2 symphylans (1.56%), 1 centipede (0.78%) and 1 mite (0.78%). The invertebrates observed were more in Indiagu, Okeani and Umuporoko, in terms of species diversity more species were encountered in Indiagu,Eziabor and Umukporoko. The most common soil-dwelling invertebrates in Oko were annelid and nematode, with high collected specimen coming from Indiagwu, Okeani, and Umukporoko. Indiagwu and Eziabor had the highest diversity of species, followed by Umukporoko. Conclusion: The study revealed that the soil is abundant in living organisms.