This study investigated the prevalence of invertebrates in plots where different types of mulches had been applied. Three buildings were chosen and five different groundcovers were assessed: hardwood mulch, pine bark mulch, recycled wood mulch, stone mulch, and bare soil. Variables for the study included the cardinal side of the structure, type of mulch, soil moisture, and temperature at the surface of the mulch and soil and 1 inch (2.5cm) below the soil surface. Regularly encountered invertebrates included millipedes, isopods, beetles, nematodes, centipedes, and earthworms. Spiders, ants, symphylans, diplurans, and earwigs were occasionally encountered. Some organisms were more prevalent in a particular type of mulch, and organic mulches tended to hold more moisture and harbored more invertebrates than organic mulches. This study will be compared and contrasted to a similar descriptive study that was performed simultaneously.
Keywords: mulch
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