Short-term effects on earthworm populations of sidedressing corn with solid dairy cattle manure in a boreal climate

AbstractWe evaluated the short-term effects on earthworms of sidedressing solid dairy cattle manure on corn. The manure rates were 40, 46 and 53 t/ha applied in 1991, and a control (no manure). From 1988 to 1990, the manure plots received solid dairy cattle manure sidedressed at an annual rate of 40 to 50 t/ha, the equivalent of 100 kg N/ha, while the control received a standard mineral fertilization. The experiment took place at the MAPAQ experimental station in St.-Lambert, Quebec, Canada. Sampling occurred in autumn 1991 and spring 1992.Sidedressing solid dairy cattle manure in spring increased earthworm populations compared with the control in fall 1991, but no significant population differences were observed among the three different manure treatments, which were then pooled for further statistical analysis. In spring 1992, the populations declined, at which time the manure treatment and the control did not differ significantly in abundance, but total earthworm biomass and Lumbricus biomass were significantly higher in the manure treatment. Cocoon production showed significant differences between treatments, which provides evidence for the potential effect of manure sidedressing on earthworm population dynamics. Although the genusAporrectodea(endogeic) was dominant among the treatments, sidedressing of solid dairy cattle manure also stimulatedLumbricuspopulations, especially juveniles and adult L terrestris (epianecic).

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Impact of Biochar on Earthworm Populations: A Review

Applied and Environmental Soil Science ◽

10.1155/2011/541592 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-12 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

Sharon L. Weyers ◽

Kurt A. Spokas

Keyword(s):

Black Carbon ◽

Total Biomass ◽

Short Term ◽

Feeding Behaviors ◽

Soil System ◽

Earthworm Population ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

The Impact ◽

Earthworm Populations

Despite the overwhelming importance of earthworm activity in the soil system, there are a limited number of studies that have examined the impact resulting from biochar addition to soil. Biochar is part of the black carbon continuum of chemo-thermal converted biomass. This review summarizes existing data pertaining to earthworms where biochar and other black carbon substances, including slash-and-burn charcoals and wood ash, have been applied. After analyzing existing studies on black carbon, we identified that these additions have a range from short-term negative impacts to long-term null effects on earthworm population density and total biomass. Documented cases of mortality were found with certain biochar-soil combinations; the cause is not fully understood, but hypothesized to be related to pH, whether the black carbon is premoistened, affects feeding behaviors, or other unknown factors. With wood ashes, negative impacts were overcome with addition of other carbon substrates. Given that field data is limited, soils amended with biochar did not appear to cause significant long-term impacts. However, this may indicate that the magnitude of short-term negative impacts on earthworm populations can be reduced with time.

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