Primary forest had the largest diversity and population density (430 ind.m-2) and a high biomass (53.9 g mh × m-2) dominated by earthworms, termites and Myriapoda. Cropping severely depleted this community with a minimum population density of 730 ind.m-2 and a biomass of 3.1 in a high input system, 6 months after clearing the forest. Pastures had low diversity, population density in the range 922-2347 and biomass as high as 82.3-159.2 g.m-2 due to colonisation by the peregrine earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus. Short fallows still kept patterns of the previous type of land use. Peach-palm plantations with a legume cover had the 2nd highest diversity, and a high biomass (111.9 g) due to the conservation of large part of the original forest fauna and colonisation by opportunisitc species of disturbed land. -from Authors