Abstract
The biological (macrofauna and mesofauna), physical (size) and chemical (nutrient availability) properties of Lumbricus terrestris middens were studied on a minimum tillage field trial amended with farmyard manure, compost or unamended treatments. Results showed that herbivorous-type interactions with wheat crop leaves were common. Midden microhabitats containing these fresh leaves were significantly enhanced by up to 2.8-fold in mesofauna (springtails, enchytraeidae, mites, millipedes) abundance. Midden microhabitats on plots amended with farmyard manure had significantly (p < 0.05) more endogeic earthworms than compost amended or control plots. Further, middens found on farmyard manure amended plots were significantly (p < 0.05) larger, being twice the size (20.6 ± 1.7 g dry weight) of middens found on compost or control plots, demonstrating that farmyard manure improves midden microhabitat size and quality. Middens were enriched in extractable plant nutrients including P, K, S and Mn.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 31-35 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Applied Soil Ecology |
| Volume | 105 |
| Early online date | 14 Apr 2016 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Print publication - Sept 2016 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Earthworm
- Farmyard manure
- Midden
- Mintill
- Wheat
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