Aging effect on enzyme activities in pressmud vermicasts of Lampito mauritii (Kinberg) and Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg)

 Cellulase, amylase, invertase, protease and phosphatase activities in pressmud (PM; filter cake) and PM vermicasts of fresh, 15- and 30-day-old casts of Lampito mauritii and Eudrilus eugeniae decreased considerably with cast age. Enhancement of the activities of these enzymes could be ascribed to the nutrient-rich substrate, active microbial populations and optimal moisture conditions. Aged casts showed reduced enzyme activities because of a decreased moisture content, lower nutrient concentrations and a decline in microbial activity. Earthworm-microbe symbiosis seems to operate in a stepwise fashion, controlling groups of enzymes during the metabolism of PM to keep the flux of nutrients in casts (soil) in balance in the biosphere. Received: 20 November 1998     

Influence of animal wastes on growth and reproduction of the African earthworm species Eudrilus eugeniae (Oligochaeta)

The growth and reproduction of Eudrilus eugeniae were evaluated in four animal species wastes under laboratory conditions. Two hatchlings were introduced in 100 g of each animal waste i.e. cow, sheep, pig, and chicken after 15 days of pre-composting. Biomass gain, mortality, sexual maturity, and cocoons production were monitored periodically for 21 weeks. No mortality was observed in any waste. The maximum weight gain per worm and the highest growth rate per worm per week were obtained in chicken waste. Net biomass gain per worm were 1.01 ± 0.52 g, 1.318 ± 0.07 g, 0.87 ± 0.1 g, and 1.69 ± 0.15 g respectively for cow, sheep, pig, and chicken wastes. The highest number of cocoons produced per worm per day was obtained in chicken waste followed in decreasing order by sheep, cow, and pig waste. The mean number of cocoons produced per worm per day in chicken waste was 40.87% greater than these produced per day in pig waste.Among the four animal species, chicken, sheep, and cow were the most favourable wastes for the growth and reproduction of E. eugeniae, and hence can be recommended as feed materials in large scale vermicomposting facilities.     

Changes in microbial biomass and microbial activity of pig slurry after the transit through the gut of the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg, 1867)

Here we studied the effects of gut transit through the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae, on the physicochemical, biochemical, and microbial characteristics of pig slurry, by analyzing fresh casts. The reduction in the dissolved organic C contents in casts we recorded suggests that during digestion, earthworms assimilated labile organic C preferentially, which is a limiting growth factor for them. Furthermore, both microbial biomass and activity in pig slurry were significantly decreased by earthworm gut transit. It appears that E. eugeniae is able to digest microorganisms, although the addition of glucose to the food increased respiration, indicating that growth of microorganisms in casts could be limited by depletion of labile C. Despite reduced microbial biomass and activity, the metabolic diversity of microbial communities was greater in casts than in original pig slurry. Community level physiological profiles obtained from Biolog Ecoplate data revealed that, after earthworm gut transit, the microbial communities in casts and pig slurry were clearly differentiated by their physiological profiles. The results indicate that first stage in vermicomposting of pig slurry by E. eugeniae, i.e., casting, produced changes that will influence the dynamics of the organic matter degradation by reducing forms of N and C available to microorganisms, hence restricting their growth and multiplication. Nevertheless, the reduced microflora of casts was characterized by an increased catabolic potential that might lead to thorough degradation of pig slurry.     

Reproduction of the African earthworm,Eudrilus eugeniae (Oligochaeta) — cocoons

Summary Although various authors have contributed to our knowledge of the biology of Eudrilus eugeniae some basic facts about the life cycle and reproduction are still not fully documented. Quantitative observations were made of the cocoons at 25 °C in different substrates. The incubation period for 166 cocoons was 16.89 days, based on cocoons produced by worms between the ages of 70 and 100 days. These cocoons produced a mean 2.12 hatchlings per cocoon after incubation in cattle manure, moist filter paper and distilled water. A smaller batch of cocoons incubated in cattle manure produced a mean of 2.7 hatchlings per cocoon. The hatching success of the cocoons was 84% in cattle manure, 50% in distilled water, and 48% on moist filter paper. The reproductive capabilities of E. eugeniae and Eisenia fetida were compared.     

The effects of low lead levels on the growth and reproduction of the African earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (Oligochaeta)

 The effects of sublethal concentrations of lead nitrate on the growth and reproduction of the African composting earthworm species, Eudrilus eugeniae, was studied by exposing worms in an organic substrate to lead-nitrate-contaminated food over a period of 76 days. The results revealed that growth was initially affected negatively by the presence of lead, while the maturation rate and cocoon production were not affected. In agreement with other studies on Eisenia fetida, cocoon viability was affected negatively by lead, making this a sensitive toxicity endpoint. Received: 14 October 1998     

Uptake and toxicity of copper and zinc for the African earthworm,Eudrilus eugeniae (Oligochaeta)

Growth rate change in earthworms is considered to be a suitable endpoint when determining sublethal effects. In this study we evaluated growth and maturation in the vermicomposting earthworm speciesEudrilus eugeniae as marker of sublethal toxicity of copper and zinc. We also compared routes of uptake. Apart from exposing worms experimentally for 73 days to contaminated food, a series of contact filter paper tests was also performed to determine LD₅₀ for copper and zinc. Both copper and zinc at sublethal concentrations affected growth and maturation in worms exposed to contaminated food. These worms had a copper content of 34.5 μg g^?1 after 73 days and a zinc content of 184.9 μg g^?1, showing a differential uptake. Copper was more toxic than zinc. Also in the contact test worms did take up more zinc than copper and the LD₅₀ (48 h) for copper was 0.011 mg cm^?2 and for zinc 0.066 mg cm^?2, which translated to body burdens of 6 μg g^?1 for copper and 131 μg g^?1 for zinc. Indications were that a regulatory mechanism existed for both metals. Both metals were taken up through the body wall at a relatively fast rate. This study indicated that the skin was the major route of metal uptake. This study also showed a poor relation between the two types of tests for purposes of evaluating lethality of zinc and copper.     

Ingestion of sand and soil by phytophagous earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae: a finding of relevance to earthworm ecology as well as vermitechnology

Epigeic earthworms are phytophagous in habit and are believed to prefer organic matter, principally phytomass, in various degrees of decay. To check whether epigeics will ingest soil/sand even when there is luxury availability of phytomass, the present work was carried out. It was seen that not only soil but even sand particles were ingested by epigeic (Eudrilus eugeniae) tested by us, even as there was availability of phytomass and cow manure in abundance. But the consumption of sand and soil decreased as the days progressed. Moreover, the ingestion of sand and soil with phytomass and cow dung did not show any significant influence on growth and survival of earthworms. It did increase the vermicast mass due to the presence of soil/sand as was confirmed by microphotography using polarizing microscope. The findings have important implications in the design of vermireactors for maximizing their efficiency.     

Influence of mulch and soil compaction on earthworm cast properties

The effects of different mulch materials applied to compacted and uncompacted soil on the quantity and the quality of deposited earthworm casts were investigated. Biochemical properties and water stability of soil aggregates were compared with the corresponding properties of worm casts. This short-time experiment was conducted in the laboratory, simulating field conditions of mulch management in temperate agricultural systems. In microcosms Lumbricus terrestris and Octolasion cyaneum were inoculated separately. Barley, lupin, maize, or sugar-beet as straw or leaves were applied as mulch in amounts comparable to those usually found in the field. The soil was compacted artificially to a bulk density of 1.0 or 1.5 Mg m⁻³. In general, plant material and to a lesser extent soil compaction influenced the dynamic processes in the soil affecting microbial activity and water stable aggregation. Higher values of phosphatase activity was measured in compacted soil, while the corresponding enzyme activities in the casts were less affected by compaction. The worm species and the nutritional quality of the food source were factors strongly influencing water stable aggregation. Mulch as well as soil compaction had consequences for the burrowing activity of the worms, which resulted in different rates of cast production depending on the species.     

Toxic effects of two organophosphate insecticides,monocrotophos and dichlorvos to common earthworm Lampito Mauritii (Kinberg)

The lethal concentrations (LC₅₀ 96 h^?1) were measured experimentally by exposing the earthworms (Lampito mauritii) in moist vermiculite and in water. The morphological changes observed during the exposure of animals to the monocrotophos and dichlorvos were outlined. The mortality rate was higher in the water medium than in moist vermiculite. The hyperactivity at low pesticide concentrations is found to influence the size of the population.     

Influence of drying and ageing on the stabilization of earthworm (Lumbricidae) casts

The influence of drying and ageing on the stabilization of casts produced by the endoge′ic earthworm, Aporrectodea rosea, from a soil, which was hard-setting and low in organic matter, were investigated in the laboratory. Casts and uningested soil were aged-most for up to 32 days, dried for up to 21 days, or subjected to different wetting and drying cycles over 30 days. The dispersion index of aged-moist casts decreased from 0.40 to 0.25 over 32 days, while dispersion index of dried casts decreased from 0.40 to 0.01 over 21 days. The dispersion index of air-dried casts was not significantly increased by five cycles of wetting and drying. The dispersion index of dried casts was not significantly less than that of dried soil. In soils wetter than a matric potential of approximately –35kPa, stabilization of casts was probably due to a combination of cohesion of soil particles, age-hardening and growth of microorganisms. However, in soils drier than –35kPa, cementation was probably the major mechanism of stabilization. The addition of wheat straw to the soil prior to ingestion by earthworms increased dispersion from aged-moist casts, but did not influence dispersion from dried casts. The addition of wheat straw decreased the number of air-dried casts which slaked severely. The concentration of soluble carbohydrate decreased with dispersion index as casts and uningested soil were each dried. This suggested that soluble carbohydrate may have been denatured with or without being bonded to soil particles during drying. Received: 7 May 1996     

Effect of earthworm activity (Aporrectodea giardi) on atrazine adsorption and biodegradation

We investigated the influence of earthworm (Aporrectodea giardi) activity on soil properties and on atrazine (AT) adsorption and biodegradation by comparing a coarse‐textured smectite‐free wetland soil (Brittany, France) with the earthworm casts derived from the top horizon of this soil. Casts are characterized by lower pH, are enriched in organic carbon (OC) and clay content, have a larger cation exchange capacity, and a greater exchangeable Ca content. The clay mineralogy of the soil studied and casts is characterized by a muscovite–kaolinite–chlorite association. In addition, the clay fraction of the soil contains lepidocrocite (γ‐FeOOH), which was not found in the casts. Atrazine adsorption isotherms were reasonably well described by the Freundlich equation and were all non‐linear. The mean amounts of adsorbed AT for starting concentrations of 3–30 mg litre^?1 ranged from 8 to 34%, being largest in earthworm casts. Soil AT adsorption capacity was well correlated with OC content. Non‐decomposed organic matter present in the coarse size fractions and specific compounds present in earthworm casts (proteins, mono‐ and polysaccharides, polyphenols, sugars, lignin) and microbial and fungal biomass contribute to AT adsorption. Weak electrostatic (physical) sorption of AT on organic compounds and on mineral surfaces prevails. For casts, the formation of additional hydrophobic interactions between AT and SOM is proposed. We also studied AT biodegradation by the model bacterium Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP in the presence of soils or earthworm casts. An enhancement of the AT disappearance rate was observed in the presence of all the solid matrices tested compared with that obtained in an aqueous medium. The biodegradation rate was shown to be dependent not only on the OC content of the solid matrix, but mainly on its composition and structure.     

Microbial activity and nutrient dynamics in earthworm casts (Lumbricidae)

Summary Microbial respiration, microbial biomass and nutrient requirements of the microflora (C, N, P) were studied in the food substrate (soil taken from the upper 3 cm of the mineral soil of a beech wood on limestone), the burrow walls and the casts of the earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa (Savigny). The passage of the soil through the gut caused an increase in soil microbial respiration of about 90% over a 4-week period. Microbial biomass was increased only in freshly deposited casts and decreased in aging faeces to a level about 10% lower than in soil. Microbial respiration of the burrow walls was only increased over a shorter period (about 2 weeks). The microflora of the soil and the burrow walls was limited by P, whereas in earthworm casts, microbial growth was limited by the amount of available C. In aging faeces the P requirement of the microflora increased and approached that of the soil. Immobilization of phosphate in earthworm casts is probably caused by mainly abiotic processes. C mineralization by soil microflora fertilized with glucose and P was limited by N, except in freshly deposited casts. Ammonium, not nitrate, was responsible for this process. N dynamics in earthworm casts are discussed.     

Effect of plastic mulch and burial depth on purple nutsedge (Cyerperus rotundus) emergence and growth

Cyperus rotundus L. causes high yield losses in fruiting vegetables and cucurbits in eastern and southeastern parts of Iran. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of mulch type (1- and 2-layer black and clear low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sheets as well as a non-mulched control) and tuber burial depth (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm) on C. rotundus above- and belowground growth. All experiments were conducted using three different populations from Birjand, Kahnooj, and Jiroft. It was found that the greatest suppression of C. rotundus growth in all populations was observed in plots covered with 2-layer black LDPE, so that no above- or belowground growth was found with this type of LDPEs. It was also concluded that C. rotundus can emerge from tuber burial depths in the range of 30–50 cm depending on the population studied, indicating mechanical operations that bury the tubers in soil depths even as deep as 50 cm (e.g. moldboard ploughing), cannot guarantee to suppress the emergence and tuber production of this noxious weed species. Our study clearly showed that using a 2-layer black LDPE can be recommended as a promising technique for the control of C. rotundus rather than implementing a deep tillage.     

施氯对大白菜生长和品质的影响

施氯1.5g／株可促进大白菜叶片的生长，提高净光合速率，使产量比对照提高9．3％，NO3^-含量降低13.9％，Vc含量提高16．9％，可溶性蛋白质含量提高20．7％，糖酸比提高37．6％，品质得到显著提高；高浓度处理则使植株生长受到抑制甚至遭受毒害，产量和品质明显下降。     

Influence of earthworm activity on aggregate-associated carbon and nitrogen dynamics differs with agroecosystem management

Earthworms are known to be important regulators of soil structure and soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics, however, quantifying their influence on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stabilization in agroecosystems remains a pertinent task. We manipulated population densities of the earthworm Aporrectodea rosea in three maize-tomato cropping systems [conventional (i.e., mineral fertilizer), organic (i.e., composted manure and legume cover crop), and an intermediate low-input system (i.e., alternating years of legume cover crop and mineral fertilizer)] to examine their influence on C and N incorporation into soil aggregates. Two treatments, no-earthworm versus the addition of five A. rosea adults, were established in paired microcosms using electro-shocking. A ¹³C and ¹⁵N labeled cover crop was incorporated into the soil of the organic and low-input systems, while ¹⁵N mineral fertilizer was applied in the conventional system. Soil samples were collected during the growing season and wet-sieved to obtain three aggregate size classes: macroaggregates (>250 μm), microaggregates (53-250 μm) and silt and clay fraction (<53 μm). Macroaggregates were further separated into coarse particulate organic matter (cPOM), microaggregates and the silt and clay fraction. Total C, ¹³C, total N and ¹⁵N were measured for all fractions and the bulk soil. Significant earthworm influences were restricted to the low-input and conventional systems on the final sampling date. In the low-input system, earthworms increased the incorporation of new C into microaggregates within macroaggregates by 35% (2.8 g m⁻² increase; P=0.03), compared to the no-earthworm treatment. Within this same cropping system, earthworms increased new N in the cPOM and the silt and clay fractions within macroaggregates, by 49% (0.21 g m⁻²; P<0.01) and 38% (0.19 g m⁻²; P=0.02), respectively. In the conventional system, earthworms appeared to decrease the incorporation of new N into free microaggregates and macroaggregates by 49% (1.38 g m⁻²; P=0.04) and 41% (0.51 g m⁻²; P=0.057), respectively. These results indicate that earthworms can play an important role in C and N dynamics and that agroecosystem management greatly influences the magnitude and direction of their effect.     

The influence of feeding patterns on growth and reproduction of the vermicomposting earthworm Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta)

Summary Observations in outdoor culture beds indicated that food availability and frequency of feeding influenced worm density. In order to study the role of feeding status on the growth and reproduction of Eisenia fetida, pre-clitellate specimens were kept for 180 days under controlled conditions. A control group was regularly provided with freshly produced cattle manure while the experimental groups were fed only sporadically and at some stage even starved by removing some of the substrate. Worm growth, maturation, and cocoon production were monitored. The role of food availability was highlighted by this study. Both worm growth and cocoon production were correlated closely with the feeding pattern that was followed. This study also showed that freshly produced, urine-free, cattle manure proved an excellent food source provided it was added in such a way as to prevent the development of anaerobic conditions. Regular feeding gave high growth and reproduction rates.     

不同施肥处理对红玉杧及土壤的影响

为了解不同施肥方案对红玉杧及土壤理化性质的影响,并为贵州红玉杧提质增效及改善土壤环境提供参考依据,以贵州种植5年的红玉杧为试材,共设计3个处理,处理1(CK)采用当地常规的施肥方法,处理2(T1)在常规施肥的基础上增施硫酸钾肥,处理3(T2)在常规的施肥基础上增施硫酸钾肥和海藻肥。分析不同施肥处理对果树茎粗、产量、果实品质、叶片和果实养分含量、土壤理化性质的影响。结果表明:T1、T2处理单株增产效果显著,较CK处理分别提高了15.61%、19.09%;主成分分析表明,T1、T2处理的综合得分明显高于CK处理,说明增施硫酸钾肥和海藻肥对果实品质改善效果明显。从叶片、果实、土壤养分分析结果来看,T1、T2处理叶片中钾、镁、铜、锌含量都能得到明显的改善,显著高于CK处理;钙含量CK处理显著高于T1、T2处理;果实中除氮元素外,CK处理的养分含量均高于T1、T2处理。T2处理土壤中的有机质比CK处理增加了106.73%,速效钾含量比CK处理提高了782.08%,但是T2处理的有效磷含量却比CK处理降低了92.78%。增施硫酸钾肥和海藻肥后,T1、T2处理总产值分别增加了15.55%、19.08%,VCR(施肥后增加农产品所得价值与施肥增加开支的比值)分别为12.12、5.53,从产投比而言是划算的,对提升红玉杧产量、品质及改良土壤理化性质效果显著,红玉杧管理上可以适当增施这两种肥料。     

不同施肥处理对盆栽八仙花生长及土壤肥力的影响

为解决当前在八仙花规模化生产中施肥盲目的问题,探究适宜八仙花生长发育的优质肥料种类。试验以八仙花‘花手鞠’品种为供试材料,设置6个施肥处理,分别为：CK（不施肥）、T1（水溶肥）、T2（有机肥）、T3（有机肥+水溶肥）、T4（控释肥）、T5（控释肥+水溶肥）,分析比较不同施肥处理对八仙花生长、生理特性及叶片矿质元素含量、土壤理化性质和酶活性的影响。结果表明：(1)与CK相比,各施肥组除胞间CO2浓度及土壤pH和电导率外,其它生长、生理、光合特性、土壤理化性质及酶活性均呈增加趋势;(2)与其它各施肥处理相比,T5处理植株的株高、冠幅、叶宽、茎粗,叶片叶绿素、类胡萝卜素、可溶性蛋白含量以及全氮、全磷含量,蒸腾速率、气孔导度及净光合速率,土壤的电导率,碱解氮和有效磷含量及脲酶和蔗糖酶活性均最高;(3)与单一施用有机肥相比,有机肥和水溶肥混合施用,八仙花的株高、冠幅、枝长、叶宽分别显著升高了24.8%、19.9%、26.2%、24.7%,叶片的可溶性糖及全氮含量分别显著升高了64.8%、25.3%,土壤养分含量及脲酶活性也有所上升但未达显著水平。综合分析结果可得：单一或混合施入水溶肥、有机肥、...