The effect of tillage type and cropping system on earthworm communities, macroporosity and water infiltration

To test the assumption that changes to earthworm communities subsequently affect macroporosity and then soil water infiltration, we carried out a 3 year study of the earthworm communities in a experimental site having six experimental treatments: 2 tillage management systems and 3 cropping systems. The tillage management was either conventional (CT; annual mouldboard ploughing up to −30 cm depth) or reduced (RT; rotary harrow up to −7 cm depth). The 3 cropping systems were established to obtain a wide range of soil compaction intensities depending on the crop rotations and the rules of decision making. In the spring of 2005, the impact of these different treatments on earthworm induced macroporosity and water infiltration was studied. During the 3 years of observation, tillage management had a significant effect on bulk density (1.27 in CT and 1.49 mg m⁻³ in RT) whereas cropping system had a significant effect on bulk density in RT plots only. Tillage management did not significantly affect earthworm abundance but significantly influenced the ecological type of earthworms found in each plot (anecic were more abundant in RT). On the contrary cropping system did have a significant negative effect on earthworm abundance (104 and 129 ind. m⁻² in the less and most compacted plots, respectively). Significantly higher numbers of Aporrectodea giardi and lower numbers of Aporrectodea caliginosa were found in the most compacted plots. CT affected all classes of porosity leading to a significant decrease in the number of pores and their continuity. Only larger pores, with a diameter superior to 6 mm, however, were adversely affected by soil compaction. Tillage management did not change water infiltration, probably because the increase in macroporosity in RT plots was offset by a significant increase in soil bulk density. However, cropping system had a significant effect on water infiltration (119 vs 79 mm h⁻¹ in the less and most compacted plots, respectively). In RT plots, a significant correlation was observed between larger macropores (diameter > 6 mm) and water infiltration illustrating the potential positive effect of earthworms in these plots.     

Experimental evidence for the role of earthworms in compacted soil regeneration based on field observations and results from a semi-field experiment

In laboratory experiments, earthworms are often observed to burrow through compacted soil layers, leading to the general assumption that these animals play a significant role in regenerating compacted soils in agricultural plots. To demonstrate this role under field conditions, the abundance of earthworm macropores inside compacted zones was estimated on plots under reduced (RT) or conventional tillage (CT). Then, different types of compacted zones typically found in CT (plough pan and compacted clods) and RT plots (compacted volume under wheel tracks) were experimentally simulated in wooden boxes, buried in the field and inoculated with different earthworm species. After 6 weeks of incubation, the number of macropores inside the compacted zones was examined. Field observations showed that approximately 10% and 30% of the compacted zones were colonised by at least one macropore in CT and RT plots, respectively. A significantly greater number of anecics was found in RT plots, but we could not conclude that this ecological type of earthworm plays a more major role in the regeneration process in these plots since there were fewer compacted zones and these covered a smaller area in CT. The semi-field experiment provided evidence that earthworm-mediated regeneration of compacted zones is possible and its nature varies between ecological types of earthworm. Lumbricus terrestris, which makes individual burrows that are vertical and deep, was the main species to cross through the plough pan. The other three earthworm species (Aporrectodea giardi, A. caliginosa and A. rosea) did burrow inside the other types of compacted zones (“wheel tracks” and “compacted clods”). In every case, however, macropore density was far greater in non-compacted zones, illustrating that avoidance of compacted soil by earthworms is important and should be taken into account when extrapolating results from laboratory studies.     

Quantitative analysis of earthworm burrow systems with respect to biological soil-structure regeneration after soil compaction

 On arable land, tilled with conventional tillage (CT) and conservation tillage (CS) respectively, plots were compacted by wheeling them 6 times with a 5 Mg wheel load in spring 1995. Immediately after compaction, undisturbed soil monoliths were excavated from the compacted and uncompacted plots. The monoliths were defaunated and inoculated with either Lumbricus terrestris or Aporrectodea caliginosa. One monolith from each plot remained uninoculated as a control. After 6 months the monoliths were defaunated again and then scanned with X-ray helical computed tomography. The data were transformed, the void systems inside the monoliths were reconstructed and visualised, and the parameters total void length, total void volume, tortuosity and continuity were quantified. The parameters' values were generally lower in the controls than in the inoculated monoliths. Differences in burrow construction could be explained by the different life strategies of the two earthworm species. Changes in burrow morphology due to tillage system and soil compaction were minor. Only the continuity of the burrow systems clearly changed: decreasing for L. terrestris and increasing for A. caliginosa. This can be explained by a change in the earthworms' burrowing activity to minimise energy expenditure in compacted soil. By extrapolating field data, we concluded that earthworms have great potential for biologically regenerating the soil structure after a single compaction event. Due to higher earthworm abundances in soil managed by CS the regeneration of the soil structure is assumed to be better in these plots than those tilled by CT. Received: 17 December 1997     

Assessment of soil structural differentiation around earthworm burrows by means of X-ray computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy

The burrowing activity of earthworms creates a distinct area around the resulting macropores called the drilosphere, which controls various soil processes. Density and microstructure of the drilosphere were studied and compared with those of the surrounding soil. For this purpose soil cores were separately inoculated with the vertically burrowing earthworm species Lumbricus terrestris. After 70 days some cores were compacted by a hydraulic press (250 kPa) and all cores were analysed by means of X-ray computed tomography. Mean Hounsfield Units were measured for concentric ROI cylinders (ROI = region of interest) of increasing diameters located around vertical macropore sections within selected horizontal slices. Based on these data we estimated stepwise the distribution of bulk density from the inner boundary of the drilosphere to the surrounding soil. In uncompacted soil the bulk density of the drilosphere was increased by 11% over that of the surrounding soil. In cross section, drilosphere and burrow form a concentric area with a total radius up to 2.2 cm. Soil compaction increased the dry bulk density of soil and decreased the diameter of earthworm burrows. Moreover, we found a less dense part of soil between the dense drilosphere and the remaining soil of the compacted core. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the coarse silt particles of the bulk soil were rearranged to a parallel orientation due to compaction whereas the microstructure of the drilosphere remained unchanged. In any case, the drilosphere revealed a very homogeneous and dense arrangement of silt particles.     

Effect of tillage on earthworms over short- and medium-term in conventional and organic farming

Earthworms play an important role in many soil functions and are affected by soil tillage in agricultural soils. However, effects of tillage on earthworms are often studied without considering species and their interactions with soil properties. Furthermore, many field studies are based on one-time samplings that do not allow for characterisation of temporal variation. The current study monitored the short (up to 53 days) and medium term (up to 4 years) effects of soil tillage on earthworms in conventional and organic farming. Earthworm abundances decreased one and three weeks after mouldboard ploughing in both conventional and organic farming, suggesting direct and indirect mechanisms. However, the medium-term study revealed that earthworm populations in mouldboard ploughing systems recovered by spring. The endogeic species Aporrectodea caliginosa strongly dominated the earthworm community (76%), whereas anecic species remained <1% of all earthworms in all tillage and farming systems over the entire study. In conventional farming, mean total earthworm abundance was not significantly different in reduced tillage (153 m⁻²) than mouldboard ploughing (MP; 130 m⁻²). However, reduced tillage in conventional farming significantly increased the epigeic species Lumbricus rubellus from 0.1 m⁻² in mouldboard ploughing to 9 m⁻² averaged over 4 years. Contrastingly, in organic farming mean total earthworm abundance was 45% lower in reduced tillage (297 m⁻²) than MP (430 m⁻²), across all sampling dates over the medium-term study (significant at 3 of 6 sampling dates). Reduced tillage in organic farming decreased A. caliginosa from 304 m⁻² in mouldboard ploughing to 169 m⁻² averaged over 4 years (significant at all sampling dates). Multivariate analysis revealed clear separation between farming and tillage systems. Earthworm species abundances, soil moisture, and soil organic matter were positively correlated, whereas earthworm abundances and penetration resistance where negatively correlated. Variability demonstrated between sampling dates highlights the importance of multiple samplings in time to ascertain management effects on earthworms. Findings indicate that a reduction in tillage intensity in conventional farming affects earthworms differently than in organic farming. Differing earthworm species or ecological group response to interactions between soil tillage, crop, and organic matter management in conventional and organic farming has implications for management to maximise soil ecosystem functions.     

Relationships between earthworm communities and burrow numbers under different land use systems

This study addresses the influence of three different land use systems (continuous maize, pasture/maize rotation, permanent pasture) on the relationships between earthworm populations and the number of earthworm burrows quantified in a soil profile. Quantified burrows were limited to those observable by the naked eye (i.e. >2 mm in diameter) and enumerated earthworms were limited to those which could have created the observable burrows (i.e. >0.3 g).The results were combined with data from the literature coming from different geographical regions. This study showed that earthworm abundance decreased with the increasing land management intensity (maize crop vs. pasture), while the number of burrows could be higher or similar under maize compared to pasture. Under maize, despite lower earthworm abundance and the annual destruction of the burrows by tillage, the number of burrows was almost as high as under pasture. This absence of a relationship between burrow numbers and earthworm abundance was observed in the soil profile and for each layer of the profile for each land use system. Furthermore, the burrow number/m^?2 per earthworm strongly varied depending on land use and was far higher under maize when compared to pasture (74 vs. 7). Therefore, a power-law type relationship was clearly established between burrow number/m^?2 per earthworm and earthworm abundance. This power type relationship was also observed when including data from the literature although it followed a different mathematical model. These results were explained by (i) increased earthworm burrowing activity (i.e. an increase in the number of burrows produced by each earthworm) under maize, and (ii) the dynamics of burrow number under pasture (i.e. decreased burrowing activity and burrow destruction process); both results of food accessibility combined with inter-individual competition. The results of the study suggest that farmers should not use the number of pores as an indicator of earthworm abundance, but as an indicator of earthworm activity, which could be integrated in an indicator of soil quality.     

Regeneration of compacted soil aggregates by earthworm activity

Soil compaction is a problem of modern agriculture, caused by heavy machinery when used in unsuitable, especially moist, conditions. Some regeneration processes in compacted loess soil were studied in a field experiment near Relliehausen, at the edge of the Solling mountains in Lower Saxony, Germany. Conventional tillage (CT) and conservation tillage (CS) systems were compared. The compaction was induced by the use of different wheel loads. The influence of earthworms was determined by comparing soil aggregates and casts with respect to dry and moist porosity, swelling, and water stable aggregation. For visualisation of the microstructure, a scanning electron microscope was used. The casts were obtained from two earthworm species living for 6 months in the laboratory in monoliths, taken on the plots after the wheeling procedure. The casts showed 10-20% higher values for porosity and about 50% higher swelling values than comparable soil aggregates, while the relative water stability was ca. 10% lower. We conclude that casts are looser and less stable than aggregates from the soil the earthworms ingested. To show the ecological relevance of the changes in the casts, the cast production per hectare per year was calculated. It was especially high in the most loaded soil under CS with endogeic species.     

Burrow systems of endogeic earthworms: Effects of earthworm abundance and consequences for soil water infiltration

By creating burrows, earthworms influence the transfer properties of soils. The effects of endogeic species on soil transfer properties, however, are not yet well understood because these earthworms generally create burrows that are refilled by casts and have no preferential vertical orientation. Thirty soil cores were incubated for various periods (1–3 or 4 weeks) at different earthworm densities (70, 210, 345 or 480 individuals m⁻²). The cores were then scanned using X-ray tomography and the burrow systems were characterised by measuring the total burrow volume, bioturbation volume (refilled burrows and lateral compaction around the burrows), the number of branches, tortuosity and continuity (assessed by computing the number of burrows with a vertical extension greater than 15, 20 and 25% of the core). We also computed the mean geodesic distance, i.e. the mean distance from the bottom to the top of the core assuming that distances inside burrows are null. Rainfall simulations were carried out on 17 cores chosen to encompass the variations observed in the burrow systems. The water transfer efficiency of each core was estimated by measuring two parameters: breakthrough volume and the percentage of water transmitted after 1 h of rain. Burrow and bioturbation volume increased significantly and steadily with time and earthworm density. We estimated that on average Allolobophora chlorotica burrowed 22 cm per week. All other burrow system characteristics also increased with time and earthworm density except the mean geodesic distance, which decreased significantly. This suggests that intraspecific interactions had no significant effect on burrow system geometry. Univariate PLS regressions were used to understand which burrow system characteristics had the strongest influence on water transfer. These regressions showed that the mean geodesic distance was the most important parameter. This means that in addition to individual burrow characteristics, the spatial arrangement of the whole burrow system also had a major effect on transfer properties.     

Relationships between earthworm communities and burrow numbers under different land use systems

This study addresses the influence of three different land use systems (continuous maize, pasture/maize rotation, permanent pasture) on the relationships between earthworm populations and the number of earthworm burrows quantified in a soil profile. Quantified burrows were limited to those observable by the naked eye (i.e. >2 mm in diameter) and enumerated earthworms were limited to those which could have created the observable burrows (i.e. >0.3 g).The results were combined with data from the literature coming from different geographical regions. This study showed that earthworm abundance decreased with the increasing land management intensity (maize crop vs. pasture), while the number of burrows could be higher or similar under maize compared to pasture. Under maize, despite lower earthworm abundance and the annual destruction of the burrows by tillage, the number of burrows was almost as high as under pasture. This absence of a relationship between burrow numbers and earthworm abundance was observed in the soil profile and for each layer of the profile for each land use system. Furthermore, the burrow number/m⁻² per earthworm strongly varied depending on land use and was far higher under maize when compared to pasture (74 vs. 7). Therefore, a power-law type relationship was clearly established between burrow number/m⁻² per earthworm and earthworm abundance. This power type relationship was also observed when including data from the literature although it followed a different mathematical model. These results were explained by (i) increased earthworm burrowing activity (i.e. an increase in the number of burrows produced by each earthworm) under maize, and (ii) the dynamics of burrow number under pasture (i.e. decreased burrowing activity and burrow destruction process); both results of food accessibility combined with inter-individual competition. The results of the study suggest that farmers should not use the number of pores as an indicator of earthworm abundance, but as an indicator of earthworm activity, which could be integrated in an indicator of soil quality.     

Compacted soil affects soil macrofauna populations in a semi-arid environment in central Queensland

Population densities of soil macrofauna were assessed in a field experiment with annually compacted treatments (applied to whole plots) and management treatments to repair initially compacted soil. Earthworms accounted for about half the macrofauna recovered during the experiment. Compaction of wet surface soil (water content>plastic limit) by agricultural machinery generally reduced numbers of macrofauna and earthworms. Annual compaction with a 10 Mg axle load on wet soil reduced mean macrofauna numbers from 70 to 15 m⁻² and mean earthworm numbers from 41 to 2 m⁻². Annual compaction with 6 Mg on soil drier than the plastic limit to a depth of 0.08 m had no adverse effect on the soil macrofauna. A 3-year pasture ley had more macrofauna (211 m⁻²) than a control treatment under cropping (29 m⁻²) but numbers declined when cropping was resumed.     

Amelioration of soil compaction can take 5 years on a Vertisol under no till in the semi-arid subtropics

Heavy wheel traffic causes soil compaction, which adversely affects crop production and may persist for several years. We applied known compaction forces to entire plots annually for 5 years, and then determined the duration of the adverse effects on the properties of a Vertisol and the performance of crops under no-till dryland cropping with residue retention. For up to 5 years after a final treatment with a 10 Mg axle load on wet soil, soil shear strength at 70–100 mm and cone index at 180–360 mm were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in a control treatment, and soil water storage and grain yield were lower. We conclude that compaction effects persisted because (1) there were insufficient wet–dry cycles to swell and shrink the entire compacted layer, (2) soil loosening by tillage was absent and (3) there were fewer earthworms in the compacted soil. Compaction of dry soil with 6 Mg had little effect at any time, indicating that by using wheel traffic only when the soil is dry, problems can be avoided. Unfortunately such a restriction is not always possible because sowing, tillage and harvest operations often need to be done when the soil is wet. A more generally applicable solution, which also ensures timely operations, is the permanent separation of wheel zones and crop zones in the field—the practice known as controlled traffic farming. Where a compacted layer already exists, even on a clay soil, management options to hasten repair should be considered, e.g. tillage, deep ripping, sowing a ley pasture or sowing crop species more effective at repairing compacted soil.     

Assessment of earthworm contribution to soil hydrology: a laboratory method to measure water diffusion through burrow walls

The capacity for water diffusion in burrow walls (i.e. the coefficient of sorptivity) either burrowed by Lumbricus terrestris (T-Worm) or artificially created (T-Artificial) was studied through an experimental design in a 2D terrarium. In addition, the soil density of earthworm casts, burrow walls (0–3 mm around the burrow) and the surrounding soil (>3 mm) were measured using the method of petroleum immersion. This study demonstrated that the quantity of water which transits through burrows of L. terrestris in the soil matrix was lower than that transited through soil fractures, due to a reduction of soil porosity in burrow walls (compaction: cast > worms burrow walls > surrounding soil > artificial burrow walls). Earthworm behaviour, in particular burrow reuse with associated cast pressing on walls, could explain the larger burrow wall compaction in earthworm burrows. If water diffusion was lower through the compacted burrows, burrow reuse by the worms makes them more stable (worms would maintain the structure over years) than unused burrows. The present experimental design could be used to test and measure the specific differences between earthworm species in their contributions to water diffusion. Probably, these contributions depend on the presumed related-species behaviours which would determine the degree of burrow wall compaction.     

Impact of five different tillage systems on soil organic carbon content and the density,biomass, and community composition of earthworms after a ten year period

To assess the impact of different types of soil tillage on the density, biomass, and community composition of earthworms, a long-term field study was performed in which soils were tilled in different ways for ten years. This study included five different types of tillage: (i) plough, (ii) grubber, (iii) disc harrow, (iv) mulch sowing, and (v) direct sowing. At the end of the experiment the earthworm density, biomass, and community composition, and the SOC (soil organic carbon) content were determined. The results show that density, biomass, and community composition of earthworm populations varied in relation to the type of soil tillage used. The density of anecic earthworm species decreased when soils were managed by conventional ploughing, relative to reduced tillage practices, whereas conversely the density of endogeic species increased. Additionally, the varying types of soil tillage influenced the abundance and biomass of different earthworm species in different ways. The density of Aporrectodea caliginosa was positively influenced by ploughing, whereas Aporrectodea longa, Lumbricus castaneus, and Satchellius mammalis showed a positive relationship to the grubber and Allolobophora chlorotica to direct sowing. We attribute these changes to modifications in the vertical distribution of SOC and varying potentials for mechanical damage of earthworms by tillage. A decrease in tillage intensity modified the vertical SOC distribution in the topsoil and consequently revealed positive effects on earthworm biodiversity, thus sustaining soil functioning.     

Compaction of forest soils with heavy logging machinery affects soil bacterial community structure

Soil compaction is widespread but tends to be most prevalent where heavy machinery is used in landfill sites, agriculture and forestry. Three forest sites strongly disturbed by heavy logging machinery were chosen to test the physical effects of different levels of compaction on soil bacterial community structure and soil functions. Community analysis comprised microbial biomass C and T-RFLP genetic profiling. Machine passes, irrespective of the compaction level, considerably modified soil structural characteristics at two soil depths (5–10 cm; 15–20 cm). Total porosity decreased up to 17% in the severe compaction. Reflected in this overall decline were large decreases in macroporosity (>50 μm). Reduction in macroporosity was associated with higher water retention and restricted gas exchange in compacted soils. The strongest effect was observed in the severely compacted wheel tracks where air and water conductivities were reduced permanently to 10% or even lower of the original conductivities of undisturbed soils. Very slow drainage in combination with a dramatically reduced gas permeability led to unfavorable soil conditions in severely disturbed traffic lanes reflecting the changes in the total bacterial community structures at both soil depths. Additionally, microbial biomass C tended to be lower in compacted soil. Our results indicate that the type of severe treatments imposed at these forest sites may have strong adverse effects on long-term soil sustainability.     

Assessment of earthworm burrowing efficiency in compacted soil with a combination of morphological and soil physical measurements

Summary Column experiments were carried out to quantify the effect of earthworms on compacted soil. The earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) were able to burrow into soil which was artificially compacted to a pore volume as low as 40%; they may also penetrate an artificial plough pan deep in the soil. The effect of the burrowing activity of Lumbricus terrestris was quantified by measuring hydraulic conductivities and infiltration rates through the whole soil column (19 cm wide, 40 cm long). Morphological parameters, mainly the vertically projected burrow depth, were correlated with the saturated hydraulic conductivity. The amount of casts deposited by Lumbricus terrestris on the soil surface increased with the degree of soil compaction. The bulk density of casts was always less than that of the original soil.     

Earthworms and collembola relationships: effects of predatory centipedes and humus forms

Relationships between anecic earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris and Aporrectodea giardi) and the collembolan species Heteromurus nitidus (Templeton, 1835), which is known to be attracted to earthworms, were investigated in an 8-week laboratory experiment. Our aims were (1) to assess whether earthworms influence the population dynamics of H. nitidus, and (2) to study pathways of influence and how earthworm effects are modified by humus forms and predators. Using microcosms with three defaunated humus forms, then provided with earthworms and predators, we intended to demonstrate that, amongst possible favourable effects of earthworms on springtail populations, earthworm activity may provide greater access and more pathways for springtails to explore soil and avoid predation. We expected that the effects of predators (centipedes) on the abundance of H. nitidus would increase from less (calcic mull) to more (moder) compact soil, and we hypothesized that earthworms would reduce predation pressure on H. nitidus by providing escape routes through increased macroporosity. Humus forms and earthworms only affected the population size of H. nitidus under high predation pressure, when collembolan numbers were higher in calcic mull than in moder, and were increased by the presence of earthworms. These results corroborate the hypothesis that earthworms, by increasing soil macroporosity, improve the escape routes for Collembola and thus evade predation. In moder humus earthworms increased the density of H. nitidus whether predators were present or not, so we cannot exclude that earthworms were also directly beneficial to H. nitidus. However, the hypothesis of a functional relationship mediated by soil macroporosity seems relevant since it was supported by differences observed when considering body size. When two size classes were distinguished within populations of H. nitidus (1) the positive effect of earthworms in moder was observed only on larger Collembola (>1 mm), (2) the density of the larger Collembola was decreased by predation only in moder and not in mull, (3) the effects of predators on the smaller individuals were not influenced by the presence of earthworms whatever the humus form, and was not decreased by the presence of earthworms. Nevertheless, factors other than macroporosity may operate as the presence of earthworms in acidic mull led to an unexplained decrease in the abundance of small-sized H. nitidus.     

Assessing the impact of Diplocardia ornata on physical and chemical properties of compacted forest soil in microcosms

 The influence of compaction on Diplocardia ornata (Smith) burrowing and casting activities, soil aggregation, and nutrient changes in a forest soil were investigated using pot microcosms. Treatments included two levels each of compaction, organic matter, and earthworms. Both burrowing and casting activities were more abundant in uncompacted soil than in compacted soil. Bulk density decreased in microcosms of compacted soil containing D. ornata from 1.76 g cm^–3 to 1.49 g cm^–3 over the study period. The overall percent of aggregates in the same size classes in compacted soil was less than the percent of aggregates in uncompacted soil. The mean percent of aggregates in earthworm casts for size classes 0.25–1.00 mm was higher for compacted soil than for uncompacted soil. The reverse was true for aggregates in class sizes 2.00–4.00 mm. Soil compaction also affected soil microbial biomass carbon and soil inorganic N concentrations. These results indicate that the burrowing and casting activities of earthworms in compacted forest soils, as in soils of agricultural and pastured lands, can help ameliorate disturbed soils by improving aggregation, reducing bulk density, and increasing nutrient availability. Received: 1 September 1999     

Earthworm burrowing in laboratory microcosms as influenced by soil temperature and moisture

Earthworm burrows contribute to soil macroporosity and support diverse microbial communities. It is not well known how fluctuations in soil temperature and moisture affect the burrowing activities of earthworms. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the maximum depth and length of burrows created by the endogeic earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa (Savigny) and the anecic earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. for a range of temperatures (5–20 °C) and soil water potentials (−5 and −11 kPa). The laboratory microcosm was a plexiglass chamber (45 cm high, 45 cm wide) containing 0.14 m² of pre-moistened soil and litter, designed to house a single earthworm for 7 days. Earthworm mass, surface casting and burrowing activities were affected significantly by soil temperature, moisture and the temperature×moisture interaction. Burrow length and maximum burrow depth increased with increasing temperature, but there was less burrowing in wetter soil (−5 kPa) than drier soil (−11 kPa). Weight gain and surface casting, however, were greater in soil at −5 kPa than −11 kPa. Our results suggest more intensive feeding and limited burrowing in wetter soil than drier soil. Earthworms inhabiting the non-compacted, drier soil may have pushed aside particles without ingesting them to create burrows. The result was that earthworms explored a larger volume of soil, deeper in the chamber, when the soil was drier. How these burrowing activities may affect the community structure and activity of soil microorganisms and microfauna in the drilosphere remains to be determined.     

Wirkung mechanischer Belastung auf Gefüge und Ertragsleistung einer Löss‐Parabraunerde mit zwei Bearbeitungssystemen

Effect of mechanical stress on structure and productivity of a loess‐derived Luvisol with conventional and conservation tillage In Germany farmers are committed to caring for the land by a soil protection law. Yet vehicles with ever increasing axle load endanger productivity and environmental quality of arable soils. In spring of 1995 a field experiment was startet on a wet silty Luvisol to test the effect of single mechanical loading on soil and crop characteristics, when managed by mouldboard ploughing (PL) or conservation tillage (CT). CT soils are considered to be more resistant against compactive stresses and to recover from degeneration more rapidly than PL soils. Beside an unwheeled control the loading treatments were light (2 × 2.5 t; number of wheel passes times wheel load); medium (2 × 5 t) and high (6 × 5 t). In 1995 even light loading of the PL soil caused a significant yield decline by 50% in spring barley, but this happened on CT soil only with high loading. In subsequent years with winter wheat and winter barley yield decline was less distinct. Loading of PL soil reduced total root length (from 4 to 1 km m⁻²) and rooting depth (from 70—90 to 40—70 cm), but on CT soil only root length was diminished by high loading. A tillage‐traffic pan (30—35 cm) hindered subsoil rooting in PL, which was favored in CT by earthworm channels. High loading caused compaction to at least 50 cm depth. Within the pan of the PL soil, penetration resistance attained 5 MPa and bulk density 1.65 g cm⁻³. In the CT soil the zone of maximum compaction was closer to the surface (15—25 cm). In PL soil the saturated hydraulic conductivity and the O₂‐diffusion coefficient gradually decreased with loading, but in CT soil only with heavy loading. The compacted top soil was broken in subsequent years by ploughing (PL: 25 cm) or rotary implements (CT: 5—8 cm). With PL, structure in the pan layer and subsoil did not recover, and rooting depth was still limited. Some restoration, however, was indicated with CT. Here transmitting properties increased in time, which was attributed to the reconstruction of root and earthworm channels, as demonstrated by computer tomography. We conclude that in silty soils compacted layers below ploughing depth will hardly be regenerated by internal processes. CT soils are less susceptible to loading, but high stresses are harmful too. Therefore recommending CT as a measure for protecting soil from compaction would not be enough, considering the present development towards heavy field machinery.