Progressive Agriculture

Environmental factors influence the distribution, density and diversity of zooplanktons. A case study was made at Kurnur dam in Solapur district Maharashtra (India) to find out influence of various factors affecting community structure of zooplanktons. The influence of qualitative parameters of water like temperature, dissolved solids, pH, hardness, dissolved oxygen etc were studied over abundance of Rotifera, Copepoda, Cladocera and Ostracoda, members of zooplanktons community structure. The study was made through monthly observation for one year in 2014. Through out the study it was found that Rotifera dominated the Zooplankton community followed by Copepod, Cladocera and Ostracoda. The population of zooplankton was abundant during May low in August, March and December. August and March low was because of dilution effect of habitat which was due to addition of runoff water from monsoonal rainfall and pre-monsoon (Awakali) rainfall respectively, while December low was associated with temperature. The quality of influx water depends on the economic activities practiced in the catchment area. The influx of water induce the qualitative changes in the reservoir of water which affect community structure of zooplanktons. Thus rainfall and influx of water were important factors that influence the community structure of zooplanktons.