Abstract
Earthworms (Lumbricidae) are an important component in soils in many regions of New Zealand. Four 2.5 ha farmlets based on endophyteinfected and endophyte-free ryegrass were established in March 1993 with or without white clover (Trifolium repens). The abundance of two earthworm species, Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus rubellus, was monitored mid-season from July 1993 to July 1995 on a trial comparing the effects of ryegrass endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii) on cow health and milksolids production. Earthworms were sampled over two years by immersing soil divots in 4% formalin solution and counting emergence from the soil. A. caliginosa was about two times more abundant than L. rubellus. There were no consistent relationships between earthworm abundance and the presence of endophyte in ryegrass, or with the clover content of the pastures.
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