Ecological role of Onthophagus taurus (Schreber) in soil nutrient mobilization

Dung beetles play a major role in the pasture ecosystem. The manure recycling activity of dung beetles is linked to their tunneling behavior. The present study was designed to analyze the tunnel pattern and nutrient mobilization by dung beetles, Onthophagus taurus (Schereber, 1759) in different soil types. A simple type of tunnel pattern was observed in all the four types of soil after 30^th day of their introduction (10 pairs of male and female) into the experimental setup. However, the maximum number of tunnels was observed in the sandy and sandy clay loam (no. of openings-15), followed by loamy soil (no. of openings-13). The physical (texture, water holding capacity, porosity, moisture content) and chemical parameters (pH and nutrients) of all the four types of soils were evaluated. Soil texture analysis revealed the texture to be of sandy (yellow soil), sandy clay loam (red and black soil), and loamy sand (brown soil) types. Water holding capacity and the soil porosity were recorded highest in the sandy soil, whereas moisture content was found maximum in the sandy clay loam. Soil nutrient analysis illustrated a significant increase in the amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), sodium (Na), potassium (K), organic carbon and organic matter. Thus, the present study confirms that tunneling activity of O. taurus enhances the soil nutrients by carrying out dung decomposition.