Population dynamics of Enchytraeidae (Oligochaeta) in different agricultural systems

Organic matter and abiotic conditions seem to influence distribution patterns of Enchytraeidae. In this study effects of changes in management practices on population dynamics of enchytraeids were determined. At two sites (in Athens and Griffin, GA) parts of a fescue (FE) field were converted into conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) plots and changes in densities and depth distribution of enchytraeids were followed for 3 years. A site at Watkinsville, containing various soil textures and characterised by very low organic carbon content, which was converted into no-tillage 4 years earlier, was also sampled. Significant reductions in enchytraeid densities, after conversion of fescue into CT, were only found at Griffin. The management practices affected the vertical distribution of enchytraeids. In fescue and NT more enchytraeids were found in the 0–5cm than in the 5–15cm layer. In conventional tillage fields enchytraeids were more evenly distributed over the profile or more abundant in the 5–15cm layer. Management also affected the timing of population dynamics in the different plots. At two sample dates high abundances were found in CT plots only, not in any of the other plots. Enchytraeids were larger at Athens than at Griffin and Watkinsville and contained more soil particles in their gut. At Athens enchytraeids will presumably contribute more to the development of soil structure than at the other sites. We conclude that management affects vertical enchytraeid distributions in soil and changes the timing of population dynamics. Received: 7 January 1996