Effects of sugarcane cultivation on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in tropical streams

Description

Tropical streams support a diverse array of benthic macroinvertebrates, which play a crucial role in ecological processes and serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health. However, human-induced disturbances, particularly land use changes, can negatively affect stream structure and function. This study investigated how sugarcane cultivation influences benthic macroinvertebrate communities by comparing streams in sugarcane-dominated landscapes with those surrounded by native vegetation. The first hypothesis proposed that sugarcane plantations would lead to a decline in both taxonomic and functional diversity. The findings partially supported this, indicating that streams in sugarcane areas had lower abundance, taxonomic richness, and diversity, while functional diversity remained unaffected. In contrast, streams with native vegetation exhibited higher macroinvertebrate abundance, reinforcing their ecological importance. The second hypothesis suggested that seasonality would have a stronger influence on taxonomic composition in sugarcane streams due to variations in hydrological patterns. The results confirmed this, showing pronounced seasonal changes in taxonomic composition, especially during the rainy season. These findings underscore the significant effects of sugarcane cultivation on aquatic ecosystems and benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Ongoing monitoring of aquatic organisms in agricultural landscapes is crucial for assessing environmental impacts and guiding conservation efforts.

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