Publication Date
1993
Description
The effects of crop rotations on earthworm populations in seasonally dry arable lands was assessed on long-term field trials at 2 sites with an annual rainfall of 450-500 mm, In cropping and sheep-grazing areas of southern Australia. Earthworm densities were substantially higher in rotations of cereals with a volunteer-pasture phase than under continuous cropping with cereals and grain legumes. The degree and frequency of soil disturbance associated with cropping has been shown to influence earthworm numbers: trial plots In which crops were sown with minimal cultivation, in alternate years, supported earthworm populations 2-3 times higher than those conventionally cultivated and cropped annually. Direct drilling of crops alternating with a pasture phase consistently produced the highest earthworm numbers, with densities of up to 800/m1• These differences were evident Irrespective of the phase of the rotation. Four introduced species of earthworm were present at each site. Differences between tillage and rotation treatments at one site could be attributed almost entirely to juveniles of Aporrectodea rosea, while juvenile and adult Microscole1c' dubiu, accounted for the increased population at the other site. Earthworm numbers were correlated closely with levels of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, which were highest in the direct-drill, Icy-farming system (P<0,001).
Citation
Buckerfield, John C., "Pastures in Crop Rotations Enhance Earthworm Populations in Southern Australia" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 13.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session22/13
Included in
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Pastures in Crop Rotations Enhance Earthworm Populations in Southern Australia
The effects of crop rotations on earthworm populations in seasonally dry arable lands was assessed on long-term field trials at 2 sites with an annual rainfall of 450-500 mm, In cropping and sheep-grazing areas of southern Australia. Earthworm densities were substantially higher in rotations of cereals with a volunteer-pasture phase than under continuous cropping with cereals and grain legumes. The degree and frequency of soil disturbance associated with cropping has been shown to influence earthworm numbers: trial plots In which crops were sown with minimal cultivation, in alternate years, supported earthworm populations 2-3 times higher than those conventionally cultivated and cropped annually. Direct drilling of crops alternating with a pasture phase consistently produced the highest earthworm numbers, with densities of up to 800/m1• These differences were evident Irrespective of the phase of the rotation. Four introduced species of earthworm were present at each site. Differences between tillage and rotation treatments at one site could be attributed almost entirely to juveniles of Aporrectodea rosea, while juvenile and adult Microscole1c' dubiu, accounted for the increased population at the other site. Earthworm numbers were correlated closely with levels of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, which were highest in the direct-drill, Icy-farming system (P<0,001).
