Rainfall effects on erosion of earthworm casts and phosphorus transfers by water runoff

 We investigated whether, under a temperate climate and in a maize crop, earthworm casts could contribute to soil erosion and further favour the exportation of phosphorus by runoff waters. Recording of casts was made in compacted (wheel-tracks) and non-compacted inter-rows, for a 2-month period in spring. To assess the rainfall impact on cast evolution, half of the observation sites were protected against rain splash by a nylon mesh placed above the soil surface. The water runoff was collected and analysed for sediment contents and phosphorus concentration. The mean annual production of surface casts was calculated to be 34 kg (dry weight) year^–1 kg^–1 earthworm (fresh weight). Synchronization between cast erosion and rainfall events was shown under natural conditions (unprotected sites). The erosion rate was 4 times greater over rainy periods than dry ones, reaching 80% of cast numbers. It appeared that not the runoff effect but the splash effect, due to the kinetics of the drops, disrupted casts. Newly formed casts disappeared first, with the erosion rate decreasing twofold for casts more than 10 days old. Cast erosion and runoff, as well as worm casting activity, were greater under compacted sites than under non-compacted sites, indicating an influence of earthworms on soil erosion from compacted soils. The total phosphorus content was similar in casts and uningested soil (0.80 mg phosphorus g^–1). Potential phosphorus losses from cast erosion was calculated to reach 25–49 mg phosphorus m^–2 per rainfall event depending on soil compaction. The amounts of particulate phosphorus recovered in water runoff after each rainfall event varied from 1 mg to 11 mg phosphorus. These results are compared and discussed. Received: 20 October 1998     

Rainfall impact effects on ageing casts of a tropical anecic earthworm

We investigated the erodibility of surface casts produced by an anecic earthworm of the Colombian savannahs by means of indoor rain simulations. The kinetic energy applied to samples, 21.62 J minute⁻¹ m⁻², was estimated to be equivalent to 41% of the energy of the more intense period of a local storm. The erodibility of casts was assessed at different stages of their ageing along with the effects of repeated wetting‐drying cycles. Bare soil cores and soil cores of the same size with a cast on their surface (soil + cast) were used as controls. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (HC) was measured to test whether casts enhance soil water permeability. Fresh, almost liquid, individual casts were completely dispersed by a 2‐hour rainfall simulation at a dispersion rate of 0.9 ± 0.5% of sample minute⁻¹. After 5 hours drying at 32°C and 79% relative humidity, casts were as moist as fresh casts (non‐significant Mann–Whitney U‐test) but had a solid appearance and were no longer dispersed by raindrop impact. Under simulated rainfall, dry casts were very slowly fragmented into large aggregates (> 5 mm). The HC of casts was increased by repeated cycles of wetting and drying but unaffected by length of air‐drying and natural ageing, and averaged 7 (3, n = 6), 20 (3, n = 7) and 32 (1, n = 45) cm hour⁻¹ for bare soil, soil + cast and all casts, respectively (standard error, sample size). Except for bare soil, these values were greater than the greatest rainfall intensities recorded locally. The consequences for soil erosion, nutrient losses and water infiltration are discussed.     

Land-use impacts on surface runoff and soil detachment within agricultural sloping lands in Northern Vietnam

Two consecutive years of investigation on soil surface features, surface runoff and soil detachment within 1-m² microplots on 40% slope highlighted the effects of land-use change, vegetation cover and biological activity on the water pathways in Northern Vietnam. Three replicate plots were set up on each of five land-uses: cassava (CAS), grass fodder of Bracharia ruziziensis (BRA), a 3-year old fallow (FAL), tree stands of Acacia mangium and Venicia montana (FOR), and a fallow with regrowth of Eucalyptus regularly cut (EUC). The second year, two of the microplots under FAL and EUC were treated with herbicide (FALh, EUCh), one of them was burnt (FALh+b, EUCh+b). The highest yearly surface runoff coefficient of 16%, and soil detachment rate of 700 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 in average with a maximum of 1305 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 have been recorded under CAS. On FALh and FALh+b, runoff ratios were 8.7 and 13.5%, respectively and detachment rates were 86 and 389 g m^− 2. On FAL and BRA the yearly runoff ratio varied from 5.9 to 9.8% but the detachment rate was limited at 24 to 35 g m^− 2. FOR and EUC annual runoff was ≤ 3.1% and annual soil detachment ≤ 71 g m^− 2. These values were very low compared to the values reported on steep slopes in Laos within similar climate and vegetation cover.The runoff and detachment rates underlined the importance of rainfall intensities, soil physical properties, soil surface features, soil vegetation cover and biological activity. The annual surface runoff was highly correlated to the soil surface crusting. CAS and BRA plots were prone to crusting especially after weeding at the onset of the rainy season, when the soil surface was still uncovered. Soil bioturbation (earthworm casting activity) was the second factor that explains local variation of surface runoff and soil detachment. The continuous production of earthworms casts on soil surface, especially on FOR and EUC microplots, induced a marked surface roughness and reduced the surface runoff. The production of casts was very limited in FAL and completely absent in CAS microplots. So it is evident that our results confirm the deleterious effects of cassava on soil and water conservation.     

蚯蚓粪对黄土区坡耕地径流产沙和硝态氮流失特征的影响

蚯蚓粪对土壤入渗和水稳性团聚体组成均有显著影响,通过在黄土区空闲农田坡耕地试验小区采用混施和层施的方式分别施入0,200,400,600,800 g/m^2 5个不同梯度的蚯蚓粪,研究其对降雨条件下坡面径流泥沙和养分流失的调控作用。结果表明:(1)2种施加方式均有效延缓了产流起始时间,且层施800 g/m^2处理下的产流起始时间较CK推迟了3.88 min,延缓效果最为明显;(2)层施800 g/m^2处理下可以显著减小产流前期的径流增大速率,并推迟进入稳定入渗阶段的时间,累积径流量随时间的变化均可以很好地用幂函数描述;(3)混施和层施800 g/m^2的2种处理下,稳定产沙率分别较CK显著减小79.61%和86.74%;累积泥沙量随时间变化均可以用幂函数描述,且初始产沙率均随蚯蚓粪施加量的增大呈显著减小趋势。(4)较混施而言,层施可以显著减小径流中硝态氮的浓度,且施加量越大,效果越明显。总之,蚯蚓粪施入均会对黄土区空闲坡耕地水土养分流失起到一定的调控作用,当施加量较大且施加方式为层施时,可以起到良好的保水控沙控肥效果。     

The interactions between soil type and earthworm species determine the properties of earthworm casts

Earthworms are recognized to increase soil porosity, reorganize soil structure, and stimulate soil microflora and nutrient mineralization. The properties of earthworm casts should depend both on earthworm species or ecological group and on soil properties. Interactions between earthworm species and soil types have been suggested, but only poorly demonstrated. In order to better understand those interactions, two hypotheses led our study: (1) Soil type has a greater influence on cast properties than earthworm; (2) Earthworms from different species influence cast properties differently; (3) The intensity and direction of the impact of each earthworm species on cast properties vary with soil properties. Fifteen physical and chemical variables (N–NH₄⁺, N–NO₃⁻, total organic C and N, C/N ratio, CaCO₃, pH, P, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Na⁺, CEC, moisture, wettability) were measured in casts of three earthworm species (Lumbricus terrestris, Allolobophora chlorotica and Aporrectodea rosea) produced in three temperate soils. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that earthworm species and soil types significantly impacted cast properties. pH, N_t, K and Mg contents were interactively altered by both factors. Multivariate analysis showed that a difference of soil type had a major impact on casts properties (62%) compared to the impact of a difference of earthworm species (10%). Cast properties were most impacted by L. terrestris, then by A. chlorotica and last by A. rosea. The response ratio (ratio of the properties of the casts to the properties of the bulk soil) was used to quantify the effect of earthworm species compared to the control soil. It showed a higher response of variables in casts in nutrient-rich soils, especially in casts of L. terrestris. The interactions between earthworm species and soil types on cast properties were discussed with regards to earthworm ecology, properties of the soil, and earthworm modifications of cast microflora.     

Land Application of Manure Can Influence Earthworm Activity and Soil Phosphorus Distribution

Earthworms can influence incorporation of animal manures and composts into the soil. As this activity can decrease the potential for phosphorus (P) loss in runoff and increase plant nutrient availability, we evaluated the effect of manure application on earthworm activity. Earthworm activity (as indicated by surface casts of Lumbricus terrestris) and soil P distribution were determined as a function of superphosphate, manure, and compost (dairy and poultry) applied at rates of 0, 50, 100, and 200 kg P ha^–1 yr^–1. Surface earthworm cast production was greatest in the wet and warm months of May to July. For instance, average annual cast production was 24,520 and 13,760 kg ha^–1 with respective applications of dairy manure and compost (100 kg P ha^–1) compared with 9,090 kg ha^–1 when superphosphate was added. This increased activity was accompanied by lower Mehlich 3 P (130 mg kg^–1) at the surface (0–5 cm) of soils treated with 100 kg P ha^–1 yr^–1 dairy manure than those treated with superphosphate (210 mg kg^–1) but greater concentrations at 5 to 10 cm deep (95 and 50 mg kg^–1, respectively). While there may have been greater downward movement of organic P added in manure and compost, the stimulation of L. terrestris activity by application of manure or compost has the potential to redistribute surface-applied P within the soil profile to a greater extent than when equivalent applications of P are made in the form of inorganic fertilizer.     

Erosion rates and nutrient losses affected by composted cattle manure application in vineyard soils of NE Spain

Land preparation for mechanisation in vineyards of the Anoia–Alt Penedès region, NE Spain, has required major soil movements, which has enormous environmental implications not only due to changes in the landscape morphology but also due to soil degradation. The resulting cultivated soils are very poor in organic matter and highly susceptible to erosion, which reduces the possibilities of water intake as most of the rain is lost as runoff. In order to improve soil conditions, the application of organic wastes has been generalised in the area, not only before plantation but also every 3–4 years at rates of 30–50 Mg ha^− 1 mixed in the upper 30 cm.These organic materials are important sources of nutrients (N and P) and other elements, which could reduce further fertilisation cost. However, due to the high susceptibility to sealing of these soils, erosion rates are relatively high, so a higher nutrient concentration on the soil surface increases non-point pollution sources due to runoff.The aim of this study is to analyse the influence of applied composted cattle manure on infiltration, runoff and soil losses and on nutrients transported by runoff in vineyards of the Alt Penedès–Anoia region, NE Spain. In the two plots selected for the analysis, composted cattle manure had been applied in alternate rows 1 year previous to the study. In each plot soil surface samples (0–25 cm) were taken and compared to those of plots without manure application. The study was carried out at laboratory scale using simulated rainfall. Infiltration rates were calculated from the difference between rainfall intensity and runoff rates, and the sediment and total nitrogen and phosphorus were measured for each simulation. In addition, the influence of compost was investigated in the field under natural rainfall conditions by analysing the nutrient concentration in runoff samples collected in the field (in the same plots) after seven rainfall events, which amount different total precipitation and had different erosive character.Compost application increases infiltration rates by up to 26% and also increases the time when runoff starts. Sediment concentration in runoff was lower in treated (13.4 on average mg L^− 1) than in untreated soils (ranging from 16.8 to 23.4 mg L^− 1). However, the higher nutrient concentration in soils produces a higher mobilisation of N (7–17 mg L^− 1 in untreated soils and 20–26 mg L^− 1 in treated soils) and P (6–7 mg L^− 1 in untreated soils and 13–19 mg L^− 1 in treated soils). A major part of the P mobilised was attached to soil particles (about 90% on average) and only 10% was dissolved. Under natural conditions, higher nutrient concentrations were always recorded in treated vs. untreated soils in both plots, and the total amount of N and P mobilised by runoff was higher in treated soils, although without significant differences. Nutrient concentrations in runoff depend on rainfall erosivity but the average value in treated soils was twice that in untreated soils for both plots.     

Effect of surface-casting earthworms on the transport of phosphorus and nitrogen in surface runoff from pasture

Treatment of a soil under permanent pasture with carbaryl (a broad spectrum carbamate biocide) resulted in a 2-fold increase in the volume of surface runoff. This was attributed to a 3-fold reduction in infiltration rate as a result of litter accumulation at the soil surface in the absence of surface-casting earthworm activity. The amounts of dissolved inorganic P (DIP), NH⁺₄-N, and NO^?₃-N in surface runoff from pasture treated with carbaryl (1.18, 9.53 and 4.25 kg ha^?1 yr^?1, respectively) were appreciably greater than those from untreated pasture (0.31, 1.63 and 0.52 kg ha^?1 yr^?1). This was attributed to the large amounts of DIP, NH⁺₄-N, and NO^?1₃-N released from decomposing litter. Following incubation at 4°C for 18 days the release of DIP, NH⁺₄-N and NO^?₃-N from litter was 160, 1600 and 950 μg g^?1, respectively. Losses of particulate P and sediment in surface runoff were lower in the absence (0.31 and 290 kg ha^?1 yr^?1, respectively) than in the presence (0.56 and 1120 kg ha^? yr^?1) of surface casts, pointing to the importance of surface casts as a source of sediment. Surface casts accounted for 45 and 75%, respectively, of the annual loading of particulate P and sediment in surface runoff. Nevertheless, the total loss in surface runoff of P and N forms was increased substantially when the production of earthworm casts was eliminated     

西班牙东南部旱作橄榄树果园水土保持措施: 植物带对土壤水分的动态影响

Sloping and mountainous olive production systems are widespread, occupying large parts of the Mediterranean landscape prone to water erosion. Soil erosion, runoff, and soil water content patterns over a three-year period were monitored in erosion plots on a mountainside with rainfed olive (Olea europaea cv. Picual) trees under: 1) non-tillage with barley strips of 4 m width (BS); 2) non-tillage with native vegetation strips of 4 m width (NVS); and 3) non-tillage without plant strips (NT). The erosion plots, located in Lanjaron (Granada, south-eastern Spain), on a 30% slope, were 192 m² in area. For assessing soil water dynamics in real-time and near-continuous soil water content measurements, multisensor capacitance probes were installed in the middle of plant strips and beneath the olive tree at five soil depths (10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 cm). The highest erosion and runoff rates were measured under NT, with a mean of 17.3 Mg ha^-1 year^-1 and 140.0 mm year^-1, respectively, over the entire study period. The BS and NVS with respect to the NT reduced erosion by 71% and 59% and runoff by 95% and 94%, respectively. In general, greater available soil water content was found under BS than NVS and NT, especially beneath the olive tree canopies. These results supported the recommendation of non-tillage with barley strips in order to reduce erosion and to preserve soil water for trees in traditional mountainous olive-producing areas, where orchards cover vast tracts of land.     

Slope sediment yield in arid lowland continuous permafrost environments, Canadian Arctic Archipelago

Surface wash erosion was measured at runoff plots on low to moderate slopes in clayey and sandy silts underlain by continuous permafrost on the Fosheim Peninsula, Ellesmere Island. Due to snow redistribution in winter, total precipitation on the plots varied from 34 to 150 mm, with corresponding surface runoff values of 0 to 102 mm. Where runoff occurred, at least 80% of it was derived from snowmelt. Suspended sediment removal was <75 g m⁻² a⁻¹ at relatively well-vegetated sites but averaged more than 1200 g m⁻² a⁻¹ at a plot where the vegetation had been removed by landsliding. Niveo-aeolian deposition was greater than suspended sediment removal at some plots, indicating net accumulation. Solute removal ranged up to 80 g m⁻² a⁻¹ and exceeded clastic sediment transport at one vegetated site. Elevated rates of erosion at the sites of detachment slides that pre-date 1950 demonstrated that terrain disturbance in permafrost environments can affect slopewash processes for at least several decades.Plot data (precipitation, vegetation and surface grain-size) from the Fosheim Peninsula and Banks Island were used to develop a statistical model of suspended sediment removal by surface wash on undisturbed slopes. For any given grain-size, the model predicts a rise in erosion from zero precipitation (because of an absence of runoff) to a peak at about 50 mm, a decline as precipitation increases to 300 mm and a further increase in erosion beyond this inflection point. This non-linear response is due to the complex interaction of moisture (primarily snow) and vegetation cover. Erosion at any given precipitation value varies through three orders of magnitude depending on surface grain-size. The maximum erosion predicted is 1 kg m⁻² a⁻¹ for a runoff plot with 1100 mm of precipitation, a corresponding vegetation cover of 77% and a median surface grain-size of 7 φ.     

Influence of tillage methods and fertilizer application on chemical properties of worm castings in a tropical soil

The effects of four rates of N (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg/ha) and three rates of P (0, 13 and 26 kg/ha) on chemical characteristics of soils and earthworm casts for no-tillage and conventionally disc plowed systems were investigated for a tropical Alfisol. Worm casts contained 2.3 to 1.5 times more organic matter, 1.8 to 1.2 times more nitrogen, 1.6 to 1.3 times more Bray-P, 3.2 to 2.1 times more exchangeable Ca²⁺, 3.8 to 2.5 times more exchangeable Mg²⁺, 3.1 to 2.2 times more exchangeable K⁺, and 1.4 to 1.2 times more exchangeable Na⁺ than the top 10 cm of the soil. The ECEC of worm casts was 3.1 to 2.1 times higher than in the surface soil. The nutrient status of both casts and soil in no-tillage plots was generally superior to that in conventionally plowed treatments. Different rates of N and P application had a significant positive effect on the nutrient status of worm casts. The results are discussed in terms of the role of earthworms in soil productivity.     

蚯蚓粪施用量对黄土区典型土壤团聚体及其有机碳分布的影响

为探究蚯蚓粪施用量对黄土区典型土壤团聚体及其结合碳的影响,该研究采用土柱培养试验,研究了黄绵土(CS)、黑垆土(DS)和风沙土(AS)团聚体和有机碳的数量及稳定性对不同蚯蚓粪施用量(0、1%、3%和5%)的响应。结果表明,施用蚯蚓粪后粒径不大于0.25 mm团聚体含量在CS和DS中降低了9.2%～24.7%和7.0%～21.3%;AS中在3%和5%用量条件下减少了25.9%～34.0%。3%用量蚯蚓粪对CS、DS和AS水稳性团聚体数量、平均重量直径、几何平均直径和粒径大于0.25 mm团聚体含量提高有显著作用,但用量增加至5%后效果未进一步改善。施用1%～5%用量蚯蚓粪可使土壤有机碳增加17.9%～66.9%,同时也提高了各级团聚体结合碳含量。施用蚯蚓粪后,不大于0.25mm团聚体对总有机碳贡献率在CS和DS中降低了21.4%～41.1%和15.7%～20.4%,3%和5%用量处理间没有差异。各级团聚体中易氧化碳含量随蚯蚓粪施用量的增加而增大。综合考虑土壤团聚体和有机碳对蚯蚓粪施用量的响应可知,3%用量蚯蚓粪即可有效提升土壤团聚体和有机碳稳定性。研究可为合理利用蚯蚓粪对黄土区土壤结构进行改良提供依据。     

Effect of biosolid amendment on enzyme activities in earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) casts

We studied the effect of amendment of sewage sludge biosolids on enzyme activity in soil and earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) casts. Enzyme activities and contents of nutrients and organic matter of surrounding soil were compared with the corresponding properties of earthworm casts. This short time experiment was conducted at 20 ± 0.5 °C in the laboratory, simulating field conditions of biosolid treatments. In general, all of doses of biosolid treatments influenced the enzyme activity and contents of nutrients and organic matter of earthworm casts and surrounding soil. Enzyme activity such as urease (UA), alkaline phosphatase (APA), and arylsulfatase (ASA) and the contents of organic matter and nutrients N and P in earthworm casts and surrounding soil increased with increasing biosolid application. Without biosolid additions, enzyme activities in cast of L. terrestris exceeded those in the soil. In contrast, when biosolid was added, DHA in casts was lower than the soil. Activities of UA and APA were consistently higher in L. terrestris casts than in soil of all biosolid treatments. Biosolid amendments generally increased ASA at low doses, but at higher doses, ASA decreased. In general, organic matter and contents of N and P were higher in surface casts of L. terrestris and soils than in the control soil. Activities of UA, APA, the contents of organic carbon and nutrients N and P in soil and casts showed positive correlations. On the contrary, ASA and DHA were negatively correlated with the contents of organic matter and nutrients.     

Impacts of wetting-drying cycles on short-term carbon and nitrogen dynamics in Amynthas earthworm casts

Effects of earthworm casts on soil nutrient dynamics and their responses to changing moisture availability in subtropical ecosystems remain poorly understood. This study aimed to examine short-term carbon(C) and nitrogen(N) dynamics and their interactions with wetting-drying cycles in three different structural forms(i.e., granular, globular, and heap-like) of Amynthas earthworm casts. The rates of C and N mineralization in the earthworm casts were examined under two different wetting-drying cycles(i.e., 2-d and 4-d wetting intervals) using a rainfall simulation experiment. After three simulated rainfall events, subsamples of the earthworm casts were further incubated for 4 d for the determination of CO_2 and N_2O fluxes. The results of this study indicated that the impacts of wetting-drying cycles on the short-term C and N dynamics were highly variable among the three cast forms, but wetting-drying cycles significantly reduced the cumulative CO_2 and N_2O fluxes by 62%–83% and 57%–85%, respectively, when compared to the control without being subjected to any rainfall events. The C mineralization rates in different cast forms were affected by the amount of organic substrates and N content in casts, which were associated with the food preference and selection of earthworms. Meanwhile, the cumulative N_2O fluxes did not differ among the three cast forms. Repeated wetting and drying of casts not only enhanced aggregate stability by promoting bonds between the cast particles, but also inhibited microbial survival and growth during the prolonged drying period, which together hindered decomposition and denitrification. Our findings demonstrated that the interactions between the structural forms, aggregate dynamics, and C and N cycling in the earthworm casts were highly complex.     

长江上游紫色土坡耕地水土流失特征及其防治对策

 紫色土是长江上游最重要的土地资源之一,严重的水土流失引发了一系列问题。在对紫色土坡面产流特征进行分析的基础上,研究紫色土坡面产流特征对水土流失的作用机制以及紫色土坡耕地水土流失防治对策。结果表明:紫色土坡耕地产流模式以蓄满产流为主,壤中流在坡面径流总量中所占比例较大;紫色土坡耕地土壤侵蚀导致土壤粗骨沙化,土壤养分流失途径与营养元素的溶解性有关,易溶的N、K主要以溶解态流失,易被土壤固定的P主要随土壤颗粒流失;壤中流是紫色土坡耕地水土流失的重要外营力之一,进行水土流失治理必须对其加以干预。提出长江上游紫色土坡耕地水土流失治理策略与"增渗防冲、排水保土,先排后蓄、蓄以为用"的治理措施。     

Performance of soil and water conservation practices in the erosion evolution process,runoff dynamics and surface roughness

Soil and water conservation practices are used widely to prevent soil erosion and protect soil and water resources, which is significant for ecological restoration and food security. However, rill evolution processes, erosion and deposition characteristics and critical hydrodynamic parameters need more research. In order to investigate the effect of soil and water conservation practices on soil erosion dynamics, simulated rainfall experiments were undertaken in a laboratory on 15° loess slopes with engineering measures (fish-scale pits, FSPs), tillage measures (artificial digging, AD; contour ploughing, CP) and bare slope (CK). The results showed that: (1) during rill erosion, hillslopes with FSPs, CP and AD were more likely to develop wide and shallow rills, while a bare slope (CK) was more likely to develop narrow and deep rills. At the end of the experiment (cumulative rainfall was about 150 mm), headward retreat erosion dominated the AD slope (maximum rill length: 3.27 m), side-wall expansion erosion dominated the CP slope (maximum rill width: 0.522 m) and bed incision erosion dominated the CK (maximum rill depth: 0.09 m); (2) soil and water conservation practices reduced surface erosion and sediment transport and runoff velocity. However, the positive effects disappeared when rainfall amounts exceeded 82.5, 105 and 127.5 mm for FSPs, CP and AD, respectively; (3) for runoff kinetic energy and runoff shear strength of 3 J and 1.5 N/m², respectively, soil and water conservation measures had greater anti-erosion abilities than CK; (4) as rainfall duration increased, surface roughness, runoff rate and sediment concentration increased on the CK and FSP treatments, but decreased on the CP and AD treatments. This study has important implications for managing different soil and water conservation measures based on rainfall conditions and offers a deeper understanding of soil erosion processes.     

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.     

Comparative analysis of Andiodrilus pachoensis casts in forests and pastures of South-Eastern Amazon (Brazil)

Soil ecosystem engineers produce biogenic structures (casts, mounds, galleries) that strongly affect soil processes. A comparative analysis of the physical characteristics of the casts produced by the earthworm Andiodrilus pachoensis was carried out in four pastures sowed with Brachiaria brizantha and four primary forests on the deforestation front of the Amazonian forest. In both systems, we recorded surface cast density and spatial patterns as well as surface cast physical properties. Cast and vegetation distributions were mapped within plots of sizes ranging from 25 to 50 m², and cast production was monitored during 2 months. Cast spatial distribution varied greatly among plots and across spatial scales ranging from regular at small spatial scales (0–20 cm) to clumped for larger distance ranges (>80 cm). Cast density was not significantly correlated with grass tuft density and their production was independent from the presence of grass tufts in pastures or litter quantity in forests. Although bulk soil properties (pH, C content, structural stability, etc) differed between pastures and forests, cast physical properties did not differ significantly among the studied ecosystem.     

Changes in nutrient pools,microbial biomass and microbial activity in soils after transit through the gut of three endogeic earthworm species of the genus Postandrilus Qui and Bouché, 1998

Purpose

Endogeic earthworms play a significant role in biogeochemical cycles due to the large amount of soil they ingest, and because after transit through their guts, casts usually show differences in nutrient contents and microbial populations with bulk soil. Here, we studied how three endogeic earthworm species, Postandrilus majorcanus, Postandrilus sapkarevi and Postandrilus palmensis, inhabiting soils in Majorca island (Balearic Islands, W Mediterranean), modify nutrient pools and microbial communities of soil.

Materials and methods

To do this, we analysed C, N and P pools, microbial biomass (phospholipid fatty acids, PLFA) and microbial activity (fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, FDA) in paired samples of bulk soil and fresh casts.

Results and discussion

The mineral and organic N contents were generally enhanced in casts produced by all three earthworm species. However, inorganic P and organic C contents were only higher in P. sapkarevi (32 %, only P) and P. majorcanus casts (100 % for both soil nutrient pools) than in bulk soil. Bacterial and fungal biomass were only higher than in bulk soil in P. majorcanus casts (65 and 100 %, respectively), but without effects on microbial activity, that was lower in P. palmensis casts (26 %). Earthworm gut transit strongly influenced the soil microbial community structure, resulting in differences between casts and soils.

Conclusions

The increased nutrient mineralization (6-, 1.3- and 1.4-fold for N, C and P, respectively) in casts produced by these earthworm species is of particular importance because of the amount of casts released and the seasonal variations in earthworm activity, which may favour plant growth.