Earthworm Populations Research Articles

Populasi, Biomassa dan Jenis Cacing Tanah pada Lahan Sayuran Organik dan Konvensional di Bedugul

Population, Biomass, and Types of Earthworm on Organic and Conventional Vegetable Land in Bedugul. Earthworm is an important indicator of soil fertility. The type of earthworm closelly associated with soil management system. This research aims to determine the population, biomass, and earthworms type that had been done on organic and conventional vegetable ecosystem in Bedugul from December 2017 until March 2018. The purposive research sites were located in Baturiti Village and Candikuning Village for organic and conventional vegetable systems, respectively. The research area was clustered following Randomized Block Design into three group sites and devided based on organic and conventional system as the first factor. The second factor was soil depth (0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm) that nested on cultivation system. Calculation of collected earthworm was done in situ while their morphological identification was done at The Soil Science and Environment Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture,Udayana University.The results confirmed that earthworm population and biomass were affected by cultivation system but the values were not significantly difference among soil depths. The population and biomass of earthworm found in organic soils were two times higher than those in conventional land. Earthworms population in organic field ranged from 66.67 to 89.33 m-2 and on conventional land ranged from 16.00-45.33 m-2. The weight of earthworm biomass on organic land ranged from 1.00-1.93 g and on conventional land ranged from 0.03-0.06 g. The type of worm acquired on organic soil was Lumbricus terrestris and on conventional land was Pontoscolex corethrurus. We can summary from this research that cultivation systems highly influence the community of earthworm.

Earthworm communities in conventional and organic fruit orchards under two different climates

Climate strongly influences the distribution of soil organisms in agroecosystems, but local agricultural practices can also alter the natural composition of soil communities. Conventional (CONV) practices usually cause long-term negative effects in soil agroecosystems, by reducing soil biodiversity and altering edaphic processes, while organic (ORG) practices promote soil health and the diversity and abundance of fauna. Here, we used distributional and multivariate analyses to compare the species composition and ecological structure of earthworm communities in four fruit orchards (kiwifruit, grapevine, clementine, and olive) cultivated under CONV and ORG practices and located in two different biogeographic regions of the Iberian Peninsula (Atlantic and Mediterranean). Results indicated that the interaction among the three factors studied (biogeographic region, agricultural management and fruit tree orchard) caused a significant effect on all parameters analyzed (abundance, biomass, diversity, earthworms communities, and earthworms life strategies). More earthworms were collected in Atlantic (7160 ind m−2) than Mediterranean (5576 ind m−2) region, although no differences were found between CONV and ORG practices. However, agricultural practices caused an important effect on earthworm diversity, with significant reductions in species richness (S), diversity (H′ index) and mature earthworms in the dryer and warmer climate under CONV practices. The multivariate analysis reflected those dissimilarities in ecological structure between biogeographic regions (95%) and agricultural practices (>82%). Finally, the comparison of the abundance and biomass curves confirmed that ORG practices were beneficial for earthworm populations, showing moderate or absence of ecological perturbation, and consequently, they diverted more energy to individual growth than to reproduction. Therefore, the positive effects of implementing more sustainable agricultural practices in agroecosystems will depend on their interactive effects with environmental factors, being especially useful in the dryer and warmer climates, such as in the Mediterranean region.

Impact of Eisenia fetida populations on bio-conversion of paper mill solid wastes

PurposeHuge quantity of paper mill wastes are dumped at the outskirt of factory as unwanted materials. Vermicomposting is an eco-friendly technique for beneficial conversion of different biodegradable/organic wastes into useful organic manure utilizing earthworms. Solid wastes generated in paper mills contain appreciable quantity of organic matter. Attempt was made for bio-conversion of Emami paper mill wastes with different numbers of Eisenia fetida (5–30 earthworms/2 kg substrate) for studying its influence on vermi-conversing time and quality of prepared vermicompost.MethodVermicomposting was carried out in trays following heap method and quality of final product was determined following both chemical analysis and bioassay on wheat seedlings.ResultsApplication of more earthworms up to 20 numbers per 2 kg substrate made bio-conversion quicker but further addition of earthworm, however, delayed the process as some earthworms came out of beds and died probably due to competition for food among earthworms inside beds. Ten earthworms per kg paper mill wastes–saw dust–cow dung mixture (1:0.5:0.5 weight wise) was found as optimum earthworm population for preparing quality vermicompost having more major and secondary plant nutrients. Bioassay of this manure on wheat seedlings also confirmed the analytical findings.ConclusionIt is confirmed that earthworm population in vermibed played vital role in faster decomposition of paper mill wastes and releasing of more nutrients, which ultimately helped in better growth of wheat seedlings. Successful demonstration of vermicomposting technique will encourage local farmers for beneficial utilization of paper mill wastes in their agriculture.

Seasonal variations in exotic earthworm populations in wheat fields of the Inland Pacific Northwest, U.S.A.

Through their manipulation of soil physical and chemical properties, earthworms have the potential to increase nutrient mineralization and benefit crop production. However, this effect is dependent on numerous factors including earthworm densities and ecological strategies. In addition to impacting density, soil environmental conditions may limit earthworm activity to specific times during the growing season, moderating their effects on nutrient availability and crop growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the active period of earthworms to better assess their potential impact on crop productivity in dryland wheat production systems in the Palouse region of northern Idaho and eastern Washington, U.S.A. Earthworm community density, age structure, diversity, and soil moisture and soil temperature were monitored over a 14-month (April 2014–June 2015) period in six dryland wheat fields. All earthworms collected were exotic species, with the endogeic species, Aporrectodea trapezoides being predominant at all sites (87% of all adults identified). Allolobophora chlorotica, Lumbricus terrestris and Aporrectodea tuberculata were collected at lower frequencies (1.8–6.4% of adults). Mean densities ranged from 14 to 75 individuals m−2, and populations transitioned to aestivation beginning in mid-June of both years. All earthworms were active (no aestivating individuals) on 56.9% of the sampling dates in 2014 and 71% of the days in 2015. A short active period and average densities at most sites of less than 100 individuals per m2 suggest that the impact of earthworms on crop growth may be limited in conventional, dryland agricultural fields of this region.

Improved Pastures Support Early Indicators of Soil Restoration in Low-input Agroecosystems of Nicaragua.

Pasture degradation hinders livestock production and ecosystem services that support rural smallholder communities throughout Latin America. Silvopastoral systems, with improved pasture cultivars (especially Brachiaria spp.) and multipurpose trees, offer a promising strategy to restore soils and improve livelihoods in the region. However, studies evaluating the impact of such systems on pasture productivity and soil health under realistic smallholder constraints are lacking. We evaluated the impact of improved pasture grass and tree establishment on a suite of soil health indicators in actively grazed, low-input, farmer-managed silvopastoral systems. In August 2013, paired pasture treatments (improved grass with trees vs. traditional pastures) were established on nine farms with similar land-use histories near Matagalpa, Nicaragua. On each farm, one treatment was left as traditional pasture with naturalized grass (Hyparrhenia rufa), while the adjacent treatment was sown with the improved grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) and planted with tree saplings without fertilizer. In August 2015, we measured standing biomass and a suite of chemical, biological, and physical soil health variables. Improved silvopastoral systems with B. brizantha produced more standing grass biomass and supported higher levels of earthworm populations and permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) compared to the traditional control. Correlations suggest that earthworms and POXC were associated with incipient improvements to soil aggregate stability and water holding capacity. We report measurable improvements to soil health just two years following the establishment of improved pasture systems under common smallholder management practices and suggest that these systems, even with minimal fertility inputs, have the potential to enhance regional sustainability.

Pengaruh Kompos Limbah Sagu Terhadap Bawang Merah (Allium ascalonicum L.), dan Karakteristik Sifat Fisik Tanah Serta Populasi Cacing Tanah (Lumbriscus terestris) Dilahan Kering Musim Kemarau

The utilization of sago waste as a source of organic material, namely compost will provide positive values for both plants and soil productivity and reduce the cost of purchasing chicken manure which is increasingly expensive. Research conductedon dry land in the dry seasonat a land plot of header/ tajuk varieties red onionusing the treatment of sago waste compost dosage. The treatment of sago waste compost doses, among others KS 0 = control, KS 1 = 35 t/ha, KS 2 = 70 t/ha dan KS 3 = 105 t/ha. The results showed no significant differences between treatments on the growth parameters of red onion aged 2 MST and 4 MST. However, the dry production parameters show that KS treatment differs only with KS 0. Respectively 11,56 t/ha compared to 9,61 t/ha. The treatment of sago waste compost dosage also has a good effect on decreasing the value of soil bulk density, increasing soil water content and also soil porosity. It is associated with the increased dose of sago waste compost then further increase the number of earthworm populations at different depths in the soil. At a depth of 0-15 cm the highest population of earthworms at KS 3 reached 1,077/ 2m2while KS 0 is only 309/2m2.

Tillage and residue management drive rapid changes in soil macrofauna communities and soil properties in a semiarid cropping system of Eastern Colorado

Tillage and stover harvest are common management practices in maize-based cropping systems around the globe. However, frequent soil disturbance and biomass export are likely to have negative long-term impacts on soil biological activity and a range of associated soil properties, and thus, there is great concern surrounding the sustainability of these practices. To address this issue, we examined soil macrofauna communities and a suite of soil chemical and physical properties in a recently established experiment (2.5 yrs. old) in Akron, Colorado. No-tillage and residue retention practices were included in a full factorial randomized block design with the following treatments: no-till + residue retention (NT/R); no-till + residue harvest (NT/RH); conventional tillage + residue retention (CT/R); and conventional tillage + residue harvest (CT/RH). In year three of the experiment, soil health parameters were assessed including: soil macrofauna diversity and abundance, aggregate stability, potential infiltration, and chemical fertility measures. The combined practice of residue retention with no-tillage (NT/R) resulted in greater macrofauna abundance, including a five-fold increase in earthworm abundance and biomass. Greater earthworm populations were associated with an increase in aggregate stability and a trend towards greater water infiltration under NT/R. While univariate tests did not reveal significant treatment differences in arthropod taxa, multivariate analyses indicated clear treatment effects on macrofauna communities, with tillage generally separating communities more than residue management. Soil chemical parameters indicated relatively less dramatic differences between treatments, but with some notable impacts of both residue retention and tillage on soil C and N dynamics. Findings from our study, among the first to examine whole soil macrofauna communities in the semi-arid Great Plains, suggest that no-till and residue retention practices offer promise for improving soil biological activity and soil structural properties of soil, especially when these two practices are employed in combination.

Invasive lumbricid earthworms in northeastern North American forests and consequences for leaf-litter fauna

Colonization of North America by exotic earthworms has been implicated in undesirable changes in soil structure, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. Invasion by putative European earthworms has a long history in northeastern North America. Partly for this reason, factors that may be continuing to facilitate expansion of earthworm distributions and the consequences of earthworm spread in the Northeast get relatively little attention. We sampled earthworms and environmental attributes at 85 sites in central New York. We additionally sampled leaf-litter fauna at 25 of these sites. We detected no earthworms at 27 of 71 forested sites (38%). Forested sites without detectable earthworm populations were farther from the nearest road and had soils of lower pH than forested sites with earthworms. Proximity of the nearest road was strongly associated with earthworm diversity and abundance, and earthworm biomass was highest in low, moist areas. We found a strong, negative relationship between the biomass of earthworms and abundance of invertebrates in the litter layer. This association was likely mediated by the abundance of organic litter, which was lower at sites with high biomass of earthworms. Sites with only the putative native Bimastos (Dendrodrilus) rubidus had a high mass of leaf litter and large numbers of leaf litter animals despite high densities of this species. We believe that there is potential for further expansion of European earthworm taxa in the Northeast and strong evidence for negative consequences of this expansion. Additional regulations on activities that promote introduction may be necessary.

Impact of crop genetic diversity on a litter consumer

Belowground communities, and especially earthworms, provide numerous services in agroecosystems. In the current context of crop genetic erosion, this study aims at assessing the effect of wheat cultivar diversity on earthworm growth and survival. Our laboratory experiment was divided into two periods: (1) the “feeding period” (4 months), simulating conditions in autumn with cool temperatures and high food availability, and (2) the “non-feeding period” (1 month) simulating conditions in winter with cold temperatures and low food availability because litter had already been consumed without replacement. The aerial biomass of mixtures of wheat cultivars was used as food for earthworms and their growth was measured twice during the feeding period and once during the non-feeding period. We found two major effects on earthworm growth. Increasing the cultivar number (i) increased juvenile earthworm growth and earthworm survival and (ii) decreased adult earthworm growth. A consistent positive effect of nitrogen concentration of the biomass was found on growth and this effect was independent of biodiversity effects. This study suggests that the loss of litter intraspecific genetic diversity has an impact on earthworm populations, probably through mechanisms linked to the variance in edibility or the balanced diet hypotheses. While they remain to be tested in the field, these results suggest that the current losses of crop genetic diversity could potentially impact processes at the community or ecosystem level through a decrease in food quality.

Soil health pilot study in England: Outcomes from an on-farm earthworm survey.

Earthworms are primary candidates for national soil health monitoring as they are ecosystem engineers that benefit both food production and ecosystem services associated with soil security. Supporting farmers to monitor soil health could help to achieve the policy aspiration of sustainable soils by 2030 in England; however, little is known about how to overcome participation barriers, appropriate methodologies (practical, cost-effective, usefulness) or training needs. This paper presents the results from a pilot #60minworms study which mobilised farmers to assess over >1300 ha farmland soils in spring 2018. The results interpretation framework is based on the presence of earthworms from each of the three ecological groups at each observation (20 x 20 cm x 20 cm pit) and spatially across a field (10 soil pits). Results showed that most fields have basic earthworm presence and abundance, but 42% fields may be over-worked as indicated by absence/rarity of epigeic and/or anecic earthworms. Tillage had a negative impact (p < 0.05) on earthworm populations and organic matter management did not mitigate tillage impacts. In terms of farmer participation, Twitter and Farmers Weekly magazine were highly effective channels for recruitment. Direct feedback from participants included excellent scores in trust, value and satisfaction of the protocol (e.g. 100% would do the test again) and 57% would use their worm survey results to change their soil management practices. A key training need in terms of earthworm identification skills was reported. The trade-off between data quality, participation rates and fieldwork costs suggests there is potential to streamline the protocol further to #30minworms (5 pits), incurring farmer fieldwork costs of approximately £1.48 ha-1. At national scales, £14 million pounds across 4.7 M ha-1 in fieldwork costs per survey could be saved by farmer participation.

PENGARUH CACING TANAH DAN JENIS MEDIA TERHADAP KUALITAS PUPUK ORGANIK

Earthworms are one of the soil macroorganisms that have a very important role in maintaining soil quality in a sustainable manner. Lumbricus rubellus is one of 1800 types of earthworms that live on the surface of the soil which has the ability to degrade very high organic matter. The quality of vermicompost fertilizer is strongly influenced by the types of media because decaying speed is determined by the C / N ratio. This study aims to determine the type of media that is best used to improve the quality of vermicompost fertilizer. Experiment was used completely randomized blok design in factorial pattern. he first factor is the population of worms consisting of 4 levels (Control, 20 Tails, 40 Tails, and 60 Tails). The second factor is media worms consisting of 4 levels (slurry cattle + 25% straw, slurry pigs + 25% straw, slurry cattle + 25% straw + 25% vegetables waste, slurry pigs + 25% straw + 25% vegetables waste) with three replication so that there are 48 test units. The results showed that the interaction of treatments had a very significant effect on: decay speed, C-organic, population of earthworms, earthworm eggs, total microorganism population, and pH of vermicompost, except P-available and N-total. It can be concluded that the best vermicompost quality in the study was slurry cow + 25% rice straw + vegetable waste and 60 earthworms.&#x0D; Keywords: cow slurry, rice straw, vegetable waste, earthworm, vermicompost

Effects of native deer on invasive earthworms depend on earthworm functional feeding group and correlate with earthworm body size

Above and belowground interactions between animals can influence species abundances, biological invasions, and ecosystem processes. A deeper understanding of above and belowground interactions among animals might benefit from considering functional groups or functional traits, yet most studies have focused on plant functional traits. Here, we consider the possible role of functional group and body size for interactions between invasive earthworms and deer. White-tailed deer are overabundant and are often times considered ecosystem engineers within many forest communities, while invasive earthworms have become an emerging threat to forest communities. We therefore asked a series of questions determine if there were any connections between these two species, with the first being: Do white-tailed deer influence invasive earthworm populations? Because invasive earthworms are divided into different functional groups based on their placement in the soil column and feeding mode, we asked if each of the earthworm functional groups would respond differently to the presence of deer. Finally, we asked if earthworm body size might correlate with the effects of white-tailed deer. We sampled earthworms across 44 paired deer exclosure and control sub-plots across four spatial regions in Ohio, USA. Our analysis controlled for phylogenetic relationships among invasive earthworms, to ensure that confounding effects of evolutionary history did not obscure our ability to detect trait correlations. We found that control sub-plots had more than twice as many endogeic, or soil-dwelling earthworms (e.g. Octolasion tyrtaeum) than paired deer exclosure sub-plots, in the three regions in which they were found. Smaller earthworms were more likely to have higher abundance in the presence of deer, including in phylogenetically corrected tests. If deer overpopulation has a positive effect on some functional groups of invasive earthworms, this suggests that managing deer is important, not only for their aboveground effects on plant communities, but also for their belowground effects on invasive earthworms. More generally, studies of above and belowground interactions might benefit from considering animal functional traits, such as body size, which correlates with functional feeding group.

Soil properties and earthworm populations associated with bauxite residue rehabilitation strategies.

It is recognised that the establishment and function of soil biota is critical for successful mine residue rehabilitation. Bauxite residues are alkaline, saline and sodic and, whilst methods for establishing vegetation are well studied, little is known about key soil fauna such as earthworms. At a bauxite residue disposal area in Ireland, a 12-year-old rehabilitated residue was examined for evidence of earthworm populations. Five species of earthworm, dominated by Allolobophora chlorotica, were recorded in the rehabilitated residue representing the endogeic, epigeic and epi-anecic ecological groups. To further understand the potential for rehabilitated residues to support earthworm communities, a series of exposure tests was conducted. Whilst unamended residues (pH 10.2, EC 0.629mScm-1, ESP 54) was hostile to A. chlorotica survival, 100% survival was observed after 90days for gypsum and organic-amended residue at salinity of up to 2.9mScm-1, possibly due to calcium becoming the dominant cation. Survival of earthworms at salinities higher than anticipated tolerance levels suggests that specific ion dominance plays a role in earthworm survival in saline soils. Percent mass change was negatively correlated with pH, EC and sodium content of the residues. Residue from the 12-year-old site also supported the anecic species Aporrectodea longa over 100days. Percent mass change in residue samples retrieved from the 12-year-old site was significantly greater (p< 0.05) to that observed for a control soil. Capability of the rehabilitated residue to support earthworm populations indicates the development of a functioning soil system in rehabilitated residues.

Earthworm population under different soil tillage and herbicide application at integrated field laboratory agriculture faculty, University of Lampung

This study were aimed to determine the effect of soil tillage and herbicide on earthworm populations. The experiment was designed by using completely randomize block design with two factors, i.e.; soil tillage systems consists of full tillage (T1) and minimum tillage (T0) and herbicide application (H) consists of herbicide (H1) and non-herbicide (H0). Herbicides with isopropylamine glyphosate + 2.4D active ingredient was application as treatment at level dosage 160 mL per 16 L of water. Soil sampling by using monolith and earthworm were collect by hand sorting methods. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and LSD test. The results showed that the soil tillage has no effect on the population and biomass of earthworms, but application of herbicide affected on earthworm population at one day after herbicide application. Earthworm population were higher in plot with no herbicide application (86 ind·m−2) than that plot with herbicide application (33 ind·m−2). However, at all combination treatment, earthworm population were increase followed by cassava growth. Population and biomass of earthworms found to be higher in the soil layer 0–10 cm than that 10–20 cm and 20–30 cm soil layers. Furthermore, soil water content had correlation with earthworm population.

Long-term organic mulching and no-tillage practice increase population and biomass of earthworm in sugarcane plantation

This research aimed to study the effect of no-tillage and bagasse mulching on the population and biomass of earthworm in sugarcane plantation for six years application. The experiment was conducted in 2010 (plant cane, 1st period); the first sampling in July 2011; plant cane, period in August 2014 and the last in August 2016 (ratoon 1, 2nd period) at sugarcane plantation in Sumatra, Indonesia. The treatments were soil tillage as the main plot i.e. (conventional tillage and no-tillage) and bagasse mulch as the sub-plot i.e. 80 mg bagasse ha−1yr−1 in 2010–2014 and 70 mg bagasse ha−1 in 2015, and with no bagasse mulch. The results showed that in the first sampling, from July 2011 to July 2013, all treatments did not significantly affect earthworm population and biomass. On ratoon 3rd, application of bagasse mulching started to show a significant effect on it, in which revealing significantly higher of earthworm population and biomass than that in without bagasse mulch. In 2015–2016, the effect of bagasse mulching on earthworm population was more pronounce than that in control treatment. Treatment of no-tillage after six years application gave higher population of earthworm than that of conventional tillage after six year application.

Soil fauna population during the maize (Zea maysl.) growth with the addition of organonitrophos, inorganic fertilizer and biochar

Organonitrophos (OP) is an organic fertilizer which is enriched by nitrogen-fixing and phosphorus solubilizer microbes. This study aimed to determine the effect of the combination dose of OP and inorganic fertilizers as well as the addition of biochar and its interaction on soil fauna (earthworms and mesofauna) in Ultisol soil during the maize growth. This research was conducted at the Integrated Field Laboratory, University of Lampung. The treatment used was a 6 × 2 factorial with three replications in a randomized block design (RBD). The first factor was the combination dose of OP and inorganic fertilizers consisting of six levels, and the second factor was biochar from rice husk consisting of two levels. Earthworm was examined using “hand sorting” method and soil mesofauna using dry extract “Barlesse-Tulgreen” method. The results showed that during the maize growth, the highest population of earthworms and soil mesofauna as well as the highest biomass of earthworm were found in P5 treatment (100% OP). Application of 100% biochar (B1) decreased the population and biomass of earthworms, on the contrary it increased the population of soil mesofauna. Moreover, Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index of soil mesofauna is not affected by the combined fertilizers and biochar.

Impact of soil physico-chemical properties on distribution of earthworm populations across different land use patterns in southern India

BackgroundThe distribution of earthworms is usually diverse and their population fluctuates in relation to the different physico-chemical properties and land use patterns of the soil of southern parts of India. This particular study examined distribution and relative abundance of earthworms under different land use patterns and their influence on the physico-chemical properties of the soil. We measured the species composition of earthworm communities across the three different land use ecosystems and effect of abiotic factors on them from various ecological regions of southern India (southern Odisha).MethodsThe linear relationship between different physico-chemical parameters of soil across three land use types and earthworm density is obtained by Pearson correlation analysis in the months of June to September. The association of physico-chemical parameters of different habitats with earthworm populations is analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Principal component analysis is (PCA) used to characterize the effect of different soil properties on the distribution of earthworm populations across three different habitats.ResultsA total of ten species of earthworms belonging to five families were identified. Four species of earthworms are identified, i.e., Pontodrilus bermudensis, Parionyx excavates, Pheretima alexandri, Lampito mauritii, most abundantly in forest lands, while the other six species are mostly found in agriculture and grass land. The earthworm density is significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with the availability of organic OC, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and water holding capacity across the three habitats, the forest land in particular. Both ANOVA and PCA results revealed a significant impact of habitat conditions on the soil physico-chemical properties as well as earthworm density.ConclusionsThis particular study has provided new information regarding the influence of different earthworm population on abiotic factors of soil across three land use patterns. It is also noticed that the distribution of earthworm was higher in forest lands and followed by grasslands having high organic manure rather than agricultural land.

Earthworm populations in forestry plantations (Araucaria angustifolia, Pinus elliottii) and Native Atlantic forest in Southern Brazil compared using two sampling methods

Earthworm populations have been little studied in forest systems in South America, and the choice of appropriate sampling methods is an important factor to consider. Hence, the present study evaluated earthworm populations using two methods: handsorting of large soil monoliths (40 × 40 cm × 20 cm depth), and application of formalin (0.5%) to the soil surface. Worms were sampled in fifteen areas at the Embrapa Forestry Research Station, including native Atlantic forest fragments, and native (Araucaria angustifolia) or exotic (Pinus elliottii) tree species plantations. Eight species of earthworms were collected overall, including four native species (Urobenus brasiliensis, Andiorrhinus duseni, Fimoscolex nivae and Glossoscolex embrapaensis) and one exotic (M. schmardae) in low abundance, and three other exotics in higher abundance (Pontoscolex corethrurus, Amynthas gracilis and Amynthas corticis). Total earthworm density ranged from 11.5 to 102 individuals m−2 and biomass from 5.6 to 31.6 g m−2, with higher values being found in P. elliottii plantations. Handsorting was more effective than formalin for sampling earthworms, resulting in higher species richness, overall abundance and biomass (particularly of the endogeic P. corethrurus) in both Pine and Araucaria plantations. Formalin extraction was better for extracting epi-endogeic species (particularly M. schmardae). Eveness and A. corticis densities were higher in native forests, while A. gracilis abundance was higher in Araucaria plantations and P. corethrurus predominated in both plantations, likely due to soil-related differences between the vegetation types. Earthworm population assessments in Brazilian forest systems should prioritize handsorting, while biodiversity inventories may benefit from combining handsorting with formalin extraction.

Vermicomposting of different organic materials using the epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida

PurposeThe present research was conducted with the objective of exploring the vermicomposting process, which involves different stages such as building of a vermicompost station; import of a compost earthworm (Eisenia foetida); and production of vermicompost using dry grass clippings, rice straw and cow manure. The vermicompost produced can be of significant value to the end users like farmers for replacement of chemical fertilizers and procuring better prices for the organic produce using such composting material locally available at much lower cost.MethodsVermicomposting was done using Eisenia foetida with three treatments [T1 (Rice straw), T2 (Rice straw + grass) and T3 (Grass)]. Temperature, humidity and pH were measured during the process. The population of earthworms, the production of vermicompost, and the chemical and microbial characteristics of the vermicompost were recorded after sixty (60) days and hundred twenty (120) days. The data were analyzed statistically using Sigma Plot 12.0.ResultsResults indicated that for all the three treatments the temperature was in the range of 0–35 °C, the humidity was between 80 and 100% and the pH fluctuated in the range of 5.5–7.0 and stabilized to near neutral on the 60th day. The combination of rice straw and grass had the highest rate of vermicompost production of 105 kg/m2 followed by grass and rice straw with 102.5 kg/m2 and 87 kg/m2, respectively, at the end of 120 days.ConclusionThe harvested vermicompost had an excellent nutrient status, confirmed by the chemical analyses, and contained all the essential macro- and micronutrients.

Effect of Feeding Materials on Yield, Quality of Vermicompost, Multiplication and Reproduction of Eisenia Foetida

The most promising earthworm species used for vermicomposting is Eisenia foetida for their tolerance in wide range of moisture levels and temperatures. The earthworms (E. foetida) were grown in cow dung wastes and cow dung wastes supplemented with plant materials of banana pseudo-stem, leaf litter and sawdust respectively. The earthworm population, cocoon number, vermicompost amount, macronutrient contents (N, P, and K), microbial population, pH and electrical conductivity were examined to assess the effect of animal waste (cow dung) and plant material mix on multiplication, reproduction, yield and vermicompost qualities of E. foetida. The multiplication and reproduction were achieved highest in the mixture of cow dung and sawdust vermicompost and lowest in the mixture of cow dung and banana pseudo-stem vermicompost. But the amount of vermicompost was found to be highest in cow dung as sole source of feeding material as compared to the cow dung mixed with plant materials. High quality vermicompost containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and greater microbial population was produced from the mixture of cow dung and banana pseudostem vermicompost as compared to other mixtures. All these vermicomposts showed acceptable level of pH and electrical conductivity values.Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyVol. 13, No. 2, 2017, page: 15-25