The results of studies on soil ciliate diversity in different parts of the Samur-Yalama National Park undergoing human impact of different force are presented. It is shown that the highest species diversity observed in forest soils with minimal human impact. Cultivated soils in gardens and farmlands are characterized by low species diversity, often with mass development of a few dominant eurybiont species. A strong influence of land treatment on soil fauna of ciliates shown.
A comparative investigation of the ciliates of separate trophic groups on the areas of Samur-Yalama National Park with different strength of anthropogenic impact was carried out. The ratio of trophic groups in the soil ciliates communities was found to reflect the ecological conditions in soil environment. It is expressed primarily in the reduction of the number of trophic groups caused by deteriorating environmental conditions.
Field and laboratory experiments have been carried out to determine the degree of toxicity in the soil community of ciliates of two insecticides: “Confidor Extra” and “Decis Profi” at concentrations of 80 mg/l, 50mg/l and 25mg/l. Laboratory experiments were performed with the soil ciliates species Colpoda cucullus (Müller, 1773). Changes in phagocytosis and osmoregulation were used as indicators of the survival and physiological parameters. In addition to the laboratory experiments, we carried out field experiments on experimental plots (50 × 50 cm) of the virgin soil. Field experiments were carried out in 5 replications. The results showed that the modification of physiological parameters is thinner exponent toxicity than survival.
