Biodiversity of Ground Dwelling Arthropods in Environmentally Friendly and Conventional Rice Agroecosystem

The implementation of an environmentally friendly agroecosystem can increase and enhance agroecosystem biodiversity. Ground dwelling arthropods play an important role in the rice field ecosystem for maintaining soil health and fertility through the organic material decomposition and nutrient cycling, acting as natural enemies of pests, and improving soil structure through bioturbation and aeration. The study aimed to compare the biodiversity and composition of ground dwelling arthropods in environmentally friendly and conventional rice fields. Field surveys were conducted in environmentally friendly and conventional rice fields in Margodadi Village Seyegan District, Sleman, Yogyakarta using a purposive sampling method using a pitfall trap. Results showed that diversity of ground dwelling arthropods in environmentally friendly rice fields was higher than conventional rice fields. The arthropods found in environmentally friendly rice fields were 6 orders, 38 families, 60 species and 218 individuals. Meanwhile, in conventional rice fields, there are 7 orders, 19 families, 39 species and 137 individuals. Ground dwelling arthropods found in conventional and environmentally friendly rice fields identified as predators, pests and neutral insects. The higher species diversity and abundance in environmentally friendly rice paddies indicate enhanced ecological balance and resilience. These findings emphasize the potential for cultivating environmentally friendly agriculture to preserve arthropod diversity and enhance rice ecosystem services.