Energetics of earthworm populations in tropical pastures from India

Abstract

This paper reports our results of studies connected with the energy flow in earthworm populations in an upland and a lowland pasture where grazing by large herbivores were not allowed. The net annual energy input was more than double in the lowand pasture. Flooding during the rainy season caused heavy mortality and migration of worms in lowland pasture. Higher energy consumption through respiration in the upland pasture was due to difference in environmental conditions. Lower amount of secondary production (P) and higher amount of energy utilized in respiration (R) cause an increased R:P ratio in upland pasture. Energy channelization in both the sites has been represented in box type energy flow models. Management of these pasture lands depends on the understanding of the dynamics of energy flow in these systems.