Earthworm Populations Research Articles

Earthworms in Brazilian no‐tillage agriculture: Current status and future challenges

AbstractNo‐tillage (NT) agriculture represents a great advance in soil conservation in tropical and subtropical zones, occupying more than 32 million ha in Brazil in 2017. No‐tillage systems can promote earthworm populations, which can improve soil physical and chemical properties, thus enhancing the benefits of NT for soil conservation and ecosystem services. Furthermore, earthworms can be used as indicators of the quality of NT systems. Here, we summarize the studies that evaluated earthworm populations in NT systems between 1986 and 2016 in Brazil, highlighting important gaps in knowledge. The studies were highly skewed geographically, with most data from southern and south‐eastern Brazil, and had very little information from the two states with the greatest NT area (Mato Grosso and Rio Grande do Sul) which together represent 43% of Brazilʼs NT area. Abundance values ranged from 0 to 660 ind. m−2, with a mean of 91 ± 129 ind. m−2(±SD), and at least 33 species were identified in NT systems. However, 73% of sites were considered to have poor and moderate soil quality based on their earthworm populations, raising concern regarding soil quality levels in Brazilian NT systems. Climate, soil and management conditions are important drivers of earthworm populations in Brazilian NT systems and future earthworm surveys in NT systems should provide ample data on these attributes, as well as on earthworm species, in order to improve their use as soil quality bioindicators.HighlightsMean earthworm abundance in Brazilian NT is 91 ± 129 ind. m−2(range 0–660 ind. m−2)33 species were identified in NT, most endogeic and epi‐endogeic (0 anecics, 1 epigeic)Around 75% of NT sites sampled in Brazil had moderate to poor earthworm populationsSoil management practices need improvement in many NT systems to increase earthworm populations

Invasive lumbricid earthworms in North America - different life-histories but common dispersal?

Lumbricid earthworms are invasive across northern North America, causing notable changes in forest ecosystems. During their range expansion they encountered harsher climatic conditions compared to their native ranges in evolutionary short time. This study investigated if (1) dispersal barriers, (2) climatic selection, or (3) anthropogenic activities, such as fishing bait disposal, structure the dispersal of free-living earthworm populations. North America, forest habitats along former Wisconsinan glaciation line. Lumbricus terrestris, L. rubellus. Lumbricus terrestris and L. rubellus co-occur in the same habitats but differ in ecology and use Conservation approach for goblin species were sampled in five transects ranging from the east to the west coast of northern North America, including major dispersal barriers, three different climate zones, and bait shops near sampling locations. Genetic diversity and structure were compared between the two species, and the presence of free-living bait shop genotypes was assessed using four markers (COI, 16S rDNA, 12S rDNA, H3). Populations of both species were genetically diverse with some geographic structure, which was more pronounced in L. terrestris than in L. rubellus. Common haplotypes were present in all regions, but locally restricted haplotypes also occurred. Further, two distinct genetic clades of L. terrestris co-occurred only in the two most distant transects (Alberta and Minnesota). Genotypes identical to bait individuals were omnipresent in field populations of L. terrestris. Genetic diversity was high in both species, and invasive populations represented a genetic subset of European earthworms. Geographic and climatic dispersal barriers affected the less mobile species, L. rubellus, resulting in differences in genetic structure between the two species. Our results indicate common long-distance dispersal vectors and specific vectors affecting only L. terrestris. The roles of climate and anthropogenic activities are discussed, providing additional explanations of dispersal and new insights into establishment of invasive earthworms.

Earthworm Populations (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) in the Basin of the Middle Reaches of the Bol’shaya Laba River (Northwestern Caucasus, Buffer Zone of Caucasian Nature Reserve)

The species composition and structure of the population of earthworms in the forest and meadow formations in the basin of the middle reaches of the Bol’shaya Laba River are studied for the first time. The species of the Crimea and Caucasus are unusually rare. The erosion topography in combination with significant precipitation results in increased heterogeneity of habitats and in the formation of specific taxocenoses with respect to a hydromorphic or automorphic soil regime. The Crimean–Caucasian subendemic Dendrobaena schmidti, which is the dominant on the northern macroslope of the Great Caucasus, is replaced in automorphic soils by the Easteuro-Asian D. tellermanica, a nemoral-steppe parthenogenetic species, which is well-adapted to a high-amplitude regime of temperature and humidity. Hydrophilic and non-frost-hardy species become numerous in hydromorphic soils. The relationship between the structure of earthworm populations and the soil water regime is illustrated well by the abundance ratio of morpho-ecological forms, among which no anecic are registered. The necessity to protect middle-mountain ecosystems of the northwestern Caucasus as a refugium of Mediterranean earthworm species is shown.

Diversity of Earthworms in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Abstract Studies reveal that not up to 50% of earthworm species have been described in the world and the understanding of earthworm diversity is finite in most countries including Nigeria. The study was aimed at evaluating the diversity of earthworms and environmental factors affecting their abundance. Earthworms were collected from three (3) different sampling locations in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Descriptive statistics and estimation of species abundance, dominance and diversity were used to analyze the data obtained from the study. From the study, four (4) species of earthworms were identified and recorded from the three sampling locations. Eudrilus eugeniae (54.9%) was the most abundant species followed by Hyperidrilus africanus (20.3%), Libyodrilus violaceous (19.6%) and Alma millsoni (6.3%) with the least abundant species. The result of the diversity indices showed Science village (1.13) as the most diverse habitat followed by Emelda hostel (0.86) and Boys’ hostel (0.84) with the least diversity of species. Soil pH ranged from 2.25 to 4.06 and total organic matter ranged from 14.10 to 16.36%. Soil temperature was uniform with an average value of 27°C for the three sampling locations. The soil moisture content ranged from 11.19 to 14.12%. The conductivity recorded the lowest value (25.60μS/cm) in Emelda Hostel and highest value (111.8 μS/cm) in Science village. The study provided understanding into the patterns of earthworm populations in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and the need for the conservation of earthworm diversity. Better understanding about habitat and living conditions of earthworms is required to provide suitable and enhanced production of vermicompost in different geographic conditions.

Mitochondrial Superoxide Targets Energy Metabolism to Impact Epigenetic Regulation of NRF2-mediated Transcription

Genotoxicity-based assessments of vermitechnology for textile-sludge valorization have rarely been attempted. Therefore, waste sanitization and epigenetic stress-regulation efficiency of Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae were evaluated in silk (DSPS) and cotton (CPWS) processing sludge-based vermibeds. Vermicomposting resulted in greater C, N, and P recovery than composting. Earthworm population reduced by 6–50% in DSPS/CPWS, while it significantly increased in cow dung (CD) mixed DSPS/CPWS. The Cr, Cd, Pb, and Zn accumulation efficiency of earthworms was higher in DSPS-based feedstocks than CPWS. However, metal-rich sludge elevated oxidative stress, causing greater inhibition of cell viability and DNA damage in Eudrilus than in Eisenia. Although histo-architecture of chloragogenous tissues was perturbed, earthworms combatted metal-induced lipid peroxidation via the activation of catalase, superoxide-dismutase, and reduced-glutathione. Correlation statistics revealed that genetic integrity in earthworms was restored through DNA-methyltransferase activity, especially in DSPS/CPWS + CD vermibeds. Overall, Eisenia was a healthier choice than Eudrilus for sustainable valorization of textile-sludge.

The effect of shrubland and grassland vegetation types on soil fauna and flora activities in a mountainous semi-arid landscape of Iran

The effect of vegetation types at mountainous sites on the relationships between soil biota and environmental variables applicable for the evaluation of soil quality and functions are barely studied and remain almost unknown. With the aim of studying the effect of shrubland and grassland plant coverings on soil fauna and flora activities, a mountainous semi-arid site in northern Iran (Diakooh) was selected for this research. Six vegetation types were selected with dominance in shrub and grassland coverage, i.e., (1) Crataegus microphylla CK. Koch., (2) Berberis integerrima Bunge, (3) Ribes uva–crispa L., (4) Prunus spinosa L., and with dominance in rangeland cover, i.e., (5) dominant Lecokia cretica (Lam.) DC., Orchis mascula L., Cardamine bulbifera (L.) Crantz, and (6) Fragaria vesca L. A total of 15 soil samples (30 × 30 × 10 cm) from each vegetation type were transferred to the laboratory. In addition, seasonal measurements (i.e. summer and autumn) were considered to achieve the temporal patterns of soil fauna and flora activities. Higher populations of soil earthworms (especially epigeic groups), acarina, collembola, nematode, and protozoa were found in the Crataegus site compared to other vegetation types with higher activities in the autumn season. Shrublands, especially with Crataegus cover, had increased activities of soil bacteria and fungi with higher abundances in the summer. Soils with higher fertility indicators and increased biota activities were attributed to the Crataegus and Berberis vegetation types by PCA. Overall, the findings of this study showed that shrubs can improve soil quality at high altitudes of mountainous, semi-arid sites that are often considered as especially fragile and sensitive ecosystems.

PENGARUH JENIS FESES TERNAK BERBEDA SEBAGAI MEDIA KULTUR TERHADAP PERTAMBAHAN POPULASI CACING TANAH (Lumbricus rubellus)

This research aims to determine the test of the effect of different types of feces of livestock as a culture media on the increase in earthworm populations (L. rubellus). The research was conducted for 42 days starting on October 19 - November 30, 2017, at the Fish Seed Center (BBI) Faculty of Agriculture, Riau Islamic University, Pekanbaru. The method used in this study was an experimental method using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and three replications. The treatments used as experiments in this study were: P0: using 100% soil, P1: using 100% buffalo feces, P2: using 100% goat manure, P3: using 100% cow dung, P4: using 25% soil + buffalo feces 25 % + goat feces 25% + cow feces 25%. Treatment experiments were carried out on earthworms (L. rubellus). The container used is 15 units of the tray (tray) with a size of 30 x 40 cm that has been filled with fecal treatment media and soil as high as 10 cm with 160 individual stocking densities. As a result, it was known that the highest increase in earthworm population is found in the treatment of P1 using 100% buffalo feces with a population increase of 7926 individuals and the lowest was in the P0 treatment using 100% of the soil where there was no increase in earthworm population (L rubellus). Analysis of variance showed that Fcount 68,01> Ftable (0,01) 9,77 were at the accuracy level of 99%, where the administration of different types of feces to the increase in earthworm populations (L. rubellus) had significantly different. Climatic data in the form of average temperature measurement ranged from 24-280C, Humidity 4-10 (moisture meter) and pH of media during the study ranged from 6,4-7.

PENGARUH PENCAMPURAN KOTORAN TERNAK SEBAGAI MEDIA KULTUR TERHADAP PERTAMBAHAN POPULASI CACING TANAH (Lumbricus rubellus)

This research aims to determine the effect of mixing cattle dung as a culture medium to the growing population of earthworms. The research was conducted for 42 days starting from 18 October to 28 November 2017 at the fish farming school hall of Agriculture Faculty of Islamic University Riau Pekanbaru. The worm tree used in this study was as many as 960 tail or 80 tail for each container. Worms are maintained for 42 days with different mixtures of medium, i,e, 100% P1 dung treatment, P2 cow-dung treatment 50% + 50% buffalo dung, 50% cow dung + 50% goat dung, 50% cow dung + 50% chicken droppings. The research design was Completely Randomized Design with 4 treatments and 3 replications. The result of this research showed that the increase of population of earthworm with the mixing of cattle dung as culture media which conducted for 42 days is the best treatment of P2 as much as 4266 head/container, then the second one used was in treatment 3 as much as 1855 head/container, and the lowest increase of the population was at treatment P1 as much as 403 head/container, and followed by treatment P4 as much as 575 head/ container.

When sunscreens reach the soil: Impacts of a UV filter on the life cycle of earthworms

4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OHBP) is a UV filter used in sunscreens, perfumery and containers for food products that may end up in soil. The impacts of 4-OHBP in earthworms (Eisenia fetida and Dendrobaena veneta) were investigated. To prove the consequence of its direct application on earthworms' epidermis, a contact test (48 h) was performed. Significant mortality was already observed at 4-OHBP concentrations of 2 mg ml−1 at 24 h, and juveniles showed higher mortality than matures at 0.2 and 0.02 mg ml−1. In order to investigate the effects in their natural habitat, a soil test was performed with mature earthworms. Results showed that reproduction success of E. fetida was impacted by the toxicant. The number of hatched juveniles (EC50 = 152.68 mg kg−1) and the number (EC50 = 94.05 mg kg−1) and weight of unhatched cocoons decreased with an increasing concentration of 4-OHBP. The LC50 for E. fetida at 28 days was 1800.12 mg kg−1, but LC50 and EC50 values could not be calculated for D. veneta adults because of lack of effect. For the latter, the soil test was continued with juveniles in a transgenerational study showing that their mortality increased with 4-OHBP concentrations above 10 mg kg−1 (LC50 = 72.02 mg kg−1 at 7 days and 19.49 mg kg−1 at 14 days). Results showed that 4-OHBP is harmful for both species, by causing reproduction decrease for E. fetida adults (F0) and mortality increase for D. veneta juveniles (F1). However, concentrations at which 4-OHBP affects earthworm populations are much higher than those reported in the environment, and therefore, there seems to be no risk for them, except in case of accidental spill.

Comparison of the Effect of Perennial Energy Crops and Arable Crops on Earthworm Populations

The purpose of the study was to compare earthworm communities under winter wheat in different crop production systems on arable land—organic (ORG), integrated (INT), conventional (CON), monoculture (MON)—and under perennial crops cultivated for energy purposes—willow (WIL), Virginia mallow (VIR), and miscanthus (MIS). Earthworm abundance, biomass, and species composition were assessed each spring and autumn in the years 2014–2016 using the method of soil blocks. The mean species number of earthworms was ordered in the following way: ORG > VIR > WIL > CON > INT > MIS > MON. Mean abundance of earthworms decreased in the following order: ORG > WIL > CON > VIR > INT > MIS > MON. There were significantly more species under winter wheat cultivated organically than under the integrated system (p = 0.045), miscanthus (p = 0.039), and wheat monoculture (p = 0.002). Earthworm abundance was significantly higher in the organic system compared to wheat monoculture (p = 0.001) and to miscanthus (p = 0.008). Among the tested energy crops, Virginia mallow created the best habitat for species richness and biomass due to the high amount of crop residues suitable for earthworms and was similar to the organic system. Differences in the composition of earthworm species in the soil under the compared agricultural systems were proven. Energy crops, except miscanthus, have been found to increase earthworm diversity, as they are good crops for landscape diversification.

Kepadatan Populasi dan Sebaran Cacing Tanah di Lahan Sawah Sistem Pertanian Organik, Semi Organik dan Konvensinal

Earthworm is one of the soil macrofauna, which consumes organic matter for body growth and life. Therefore the earthworm can be soil organic status and soil fertility indicator. On the other hand, at present, the organic farming system is developing and positively accepted by people as yield consumer, and yield price is higher than conventional yield price. The experimen to study the earthworm population rate and spread methode was conducted in 2008 planting season, in West Java, with RBD (Randomized Block Design). Three farming system as treatment i.e Organic farming, Semi organic and Conventional farming system and six location as replication. The result showed that Semi organic farming system is the most earthworm population rate and the earthworm distribution is random model.

Earthworm Population in Relation to Different Agro Climatic Regions of Wayanad District of Kerala

Among the numerous microorganisms in the soil, earthworms play an important role in the formation and maintenance of soil structure and fertility by altering the physical, chemical and biological properties. A study was conducted in Wayanad district during 2017 to 2018 to collect and identify the earthworm species present in three agro climatic regions of Wayanad. A total of 30 samples were collected from Wetland, upland and an evergreen forest. A total of 15 earth worm species were identified and among this two species were new to Wayanad, the Dravida thomasi and Amynthas corticis.

World of earthworms with pesticides and insecticides.

Earthworms are important organisms in soil communities and are known for sustaining the life of the soil. They are used as a model organism in environmental risk assessment of chemicals and soil toxicology. Soil provides physical and nutritive support to agriculture system by regulating biogeochemical cycles, nutrient cycle, waste degradation, organic matter degradation etc. The biggest threat to soil health are pesticides and synthetic chemicals including fertilizers. Earthworms are most severely hit by these xenobiotic compounds leading to a sizeable reduction of their population and adversely affecting soil fertility. Earthworms are incredible soil organisms playing a crucial role in maintaining soil health. Pesticides used in crop management are known to be most over-purchased and irrationally used soil toxicants, simultaneously, used insecticides contribute to a quantum of damage to earthworms and other non-target organisms. LC50 and LD50 studies revealed that earthworms are highly susceptible to insecticides causing immobility, rigidity and also show a significant effect on biomass reduction, growth and reproduction by disrupting various physiological activities leading to loss of earthworm population and soil biodiversity.

Vermicomposting of citronella bagasse and paper mill sludge mixture employing Eisenia fetida

The vermicomposting potential of Eisenia fetida on citronella bagasse and paper mill sludge mixture was studied. The experiment was carried out in pots by taking a mixture of citronella bagasse and paper mill sludge in 3:2 ratios. The physico-chemical properties such as pH, conductivity, total organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, trace elements and heavy metals were studied in the end products. The ash content, humification index, C/N ratio and scanning electron microscopic analysis were done to understand the maturity of the vermicompost. Results revealed that bioconversion of citronella bagasse and paper mill sludge mixture is accompanied with reduction of C/N ratio and humification index; enhancement of nutrients profile, nitrogen fixing, phosphate and potassium solubilizing bacterial population. SEM analysis showed that there was more disintegration in vermicompost samples than the initial raw materials and compost. Further, earthworm population and biomass has significantly increased by the end of the experimental trials.

Minimum Tillage and in situ Mulch Increasing the Population and Biomass of Earthworms Under Mung Bean Cultivation on Ultisol Soil

Earthworms are important soil biota that can be used as an indicator of soil fertility. Soil tillage systems and application of organic mulch will affect the activity of earthworms. This research was aimed to study the effect of tillage systems and the application of in situ mulch, and their interactions on the population and the biomass of earthworms. The study was conducted from April to July 2017 at the Integrated Field Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. The study was arranged in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) in a factorial treatment with two factors. The first factor was the tillage system which consisted of the minimum tillage and the intensive tillage. The second factor was the application of in situ mulch, which consisted of the application of 0 Mg ha-1 or without mulch and the application of 5 Mg ha-1 in situ mulch.The data obtained were tested for homogeneity of variance with the Bartlett Test and its additivity with the Tukey Test. Data were further analyzed for the analysis of variance and for the LSD’s Test at the level of 5%. The relationship between soil temperature, soil moisture content, soil organic-C and soil pH with population and biomass earthworm was tested by correlation test. The results showed that the earthworm population and the earthworm biomass at 80 DAP in the minimum tillage was higher than that of the intensive tillage. The earthworm population for all detected planting stages (before tillage, 40 DAP and 80 DAP) with the of application of 5 Mg ha-1 in situ mulch was higher than that of the application of no mulch. There is no interaction between the tillage system and the application of in situ mulch at 0 DAP, 40 DAP, and 80 DAP. The genus of earthworms found in all treatment plots was genus Pheretima under the family of Megascolecidae.

Using Earthworms Eisenia fetida (Sav.) for Utilization of Expansive Littoral Plants Biomass

This paper presents the results of the process of vermicomposting waste biomass of littoral plants Typha latifolia, Iris pseudacorus, Ceratophyllum demersum in vermireactors, with the use of earthworms Eisenia fetida. It was observed that E. fetida may be used for rapid utilization of pure I. pseudacorus and C. demersum waste, but using the technology presented in this paper and the assumed observation time, it was not possible to recycle T. latifolia waste. Vermicomposts obtained were characterized by higher N, P, K, Ca, and Mg content compared to the initial plant biomass. The content of Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd, and Pb in vermicomposts did not exclude their application as a fertilizer. During vermicomposting of all littoral plants, the earthworm population was maintained up to day 70 of the experiment, with a slight decrease in their number (on average by 6%, p > 0.05), and since day 35, a significant loss in earthworm biomass was observed. The greatest loss of mean sum of biomass (49%, p < 0.05) was noted in a group of earthworms utilizing T. latifolia. The earthworms reproduced, with the greatest mean number (and the sum of biomass) of cocoons observed in a group of earthworms processing C. demersum. These values were greater by 32% and 38% respectively (p < 0.05), for the aforementioned characteristics of cocoons produced in the remaining experimental groups.

Nitrogen supply reduces the earthworm-silicon control on rice blast disease in a Ferralsol

Revealing belowground-aboveground relationships (BAR) is essential to drive ecological processes to address agriculture dysfunctions, especially in the management of aboveground plant diseases. Earthworms are one of the most important soil organisms involved in BAR, and silicon (Si) has been identified as a crucial element regulating aboveground plant health. How earthworm-Si interactions induce BAR in poor- and rich-nutrient soil contexts is still poorly understood, despite a growing interest in agricultural sustainability. We investigated the potential of BAR induced by the earthworm-silicon interaction to control the severity of rice blast disease in a Ferralsol in Madagascar, with or without NPK fertilization. We conducted a greenhouse microcosm experiment in which we manipulated the presence of the endogeic earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus and the fungus Pyricularia oryzae in a Ferralsol supplied or not with Si and fertilized with macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, i.e., NPK). After eight weeks of growth, plant biomass, nutrition and disease severity were measured. Our results validated the hypothesis that a dual treatment of earthworm inoculation and Si fertilization in a nutrient-poor tropical soil confers a higher tolerance of rainfed rice to P. oryzae, in comparison with treatments with only earthworms or Si, providing the optimal agronomic balance between a gain in biomass (and nutrition) and a reduction in disease severity. The supply of macronutrients altered this positive BAR by favouring the phenomenon of N-induced susceptibility. The aboveground plant C:N ratio of 15 is a threshold below which any increase in N per C unit likely enhances blast disease. The role of belowground interactions to counteract agricultural dysfunctions is supported by our study. To accomplish ecological intensification and provision of ecosystem services such as disease regulation, our findings recommend replacing excessive use of macronutrient fertilizer with sustained agricultural practices promoting the development of earthworm populations, such as organic matter inputs, superficial or no tillage, and the use of cover crops or conservation agriculture.

The influence of natural and anthropogenic conditions on the earthworm population in different grassland ecosystems

The influence of natural and anthropogenic conditions on the earthworm population in different grassland ecosystems

Developing a systematic sampling method for earthworms in and around deadwood

BackgroundThe ecological importance of deadwood is widely acknowledged, however popular forestry practices may reduce deadwood from a site, and most European forests now fall below recommended targets, putting deadwood-associated species at risk. There is increasing evidence that earthworm species which live in alternative habitats such as deadwood can be missed by traditional sampling methods, which can lead to false classifications regarding species distributions and conservation status and value. Resolving the current lack of a systematic and quantitative methodology for surveying earthworms in microhabitats such as deadwood may therefore lead to valuable insights into earthworm species ecologies in forest ecosystems. The main aim of this research was to develop and trial a systematic method for surveying deadwood-associated earthworms, with potential future application to other invertebrates. Sampling of earthworms within soil, deadwood and soil beneath deadwood was carried out across a chronosequence of unmanaged oak forest stands. The results were then used to investigate the influence of soil and deadwood environmental factors and woodland age on the earthworm populations of oak-dominated broadleaf woodlands.ResultsResults from our surveys successfully show that in oak woodland habitats with deadwood, omitting deadwood microhabitats from earthworm sampling can lead to underestimates of total earthworm species richness, abundance and biomass. We also found a significantly greater proportion of juveniles within the earthworm communities of broadleaf deadwood, where temperature and moisture conditions were more favourable than surrounding open soil habitats.ConclusionsThe systematic method presented should be considered as additional and complementary to traditional sampling protocols, to provide a realistic estimate of earthworm populations in woodland systems. Adopting this quantitative approach to surveying the biodiversity value of deadwood may enable forest management practices to more effectively balance wood production against ecological and conservation values. Opportunities for further development of the sampling methodology are proposed.

Tillage and crop rotations enhance populations of earthworms, termites, dung beetles and centipedes: evidence from a long-term trial in Zambia

AbstractMacro-organisms contribute significantly to soil fertility improvement. The influence of conservation agriculture (CA) in southern Africa on their populations has not yet been fully understood. Thus, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of CA and conventional tillage on below ground biological activity in a CA long-term trial in Monze, Zambia from 2011 to 2013. The study had ten treatments which differed by tillage systems (conventional ploughing, planting basins and direct seeding) and crop diversification intensity (sole cropping, 2- or 3-year crop rotations) involving maize, cotton and sunn hemp. These factors were combined to create rotation-tillage (RotTill) treatments. Sampling of macrofauna was done once per year using a metal frame measuring 0.25 m2, hand-sorted to 30-cm depth. RotTill treatments had a significant effect on earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris), termites (Coptotermes formosanus), dung beetles (Scarabaeus viettei) and centipedes (Lithobius forficatus). Earthworms and termites were more abundant in CA treatments than in conventionally ploughed (CP) treatments. Biota diversity was generally higher in CA treatments than in CP controls. Conventional mouldboard ploughing generally reduced macrofauna, thus affecting biological soil fertility and the beneficial effect of the interactions of these organisms with the soil. CA treatments had the highest maize grain yields throughout the study period. Based on the results, reduced tillage systems and crop rotations increase biological activity shown by increased densities of termites and earthworms.