A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
of
EARTHWORM ECOLOGY
(In Peaceful Society Campus)
OBJECTIVES: -
1.
To
see the earthworm diversity and distribution.
2.
To
find out the relationship between the apogeal and hypogeal environment in terms
of soil and vegetation.
3.
To
pinpoint factors responsible for earthworm diversity and distribution.
4.
To
identify earthworm –rich habitats and select suitable species for vermiculture
5.
Basic
studies on earthworm morphology and vermicastes.
6.
Quantification
of ecological studies.
METHODOLOGY: -
1. Random
selection of sites: -Sites was randomly selected so as to
cover as much as possible of the area under survey.
2.
Quadrate size: - Soil samples were collected from pits having dimensions (25x25x15)
cms. (1xbxd).
3.
Collection
of samples: - Samples were collected in the following manner: -
Green plants, grass, weeds etc. growing on
the site to be sampled were first uprooted and collected for weighing.
Vermicasts deposited on the top layer of soil were collected and weighed.
The layer of humus consisting of
dead/decaying organic matter was collected. An area of 25x25 cms. Was marked on
the soil was first loosened using a pick. The soil sample was then
collected using a shovel. Earthworms forming part of the soil sample were
collected along with the soil block to minimise shock.
4.
Sorting and weighing of the various components: -
The soil sample was spread out on a sheet
of paper and: -
Results: -
Description
Of Soil: Compact Lateritic Clays
|
Site No. |
Description Of Site. |
Weights Of Soil |
Vermicast |
Roots |
Dried Matter |
Green Matter |
Earth- Worms |
|
(S) |
(V) |
(R) |
(D) |
(G) |
(E) |
||
|
Kg. |
Gms. |
Gms. |
Gms. |
Gms. |
Gms. |
||
|
I |
Partial Shade |
18.2 |
80 |
25 |
30 |
220 |
5 (1,2,9) |
|
II |
Partial Shade |
16.0 |
10 |
35 |
5 |
130 |
5 (2,2,2,) |
|
III |
Shade |
18.6 |
- |
50 |
240 |
30 |
5 (1, *,2) |
|
IV |
Open Grassland |
12.2 |
- |
360 |
- |
260 |
5 (1, *,2) |
|
V |
Partial Shade |
12.4 |
- |
20 |
50 |
450 |
5 (*, 1,6) |
|
VI |
Partial Shade |
13.2 |
60 |
60 |
120 |
5 |
5 (*, 2,4) |
|
VII |
Shade |
16.0 |
10 |
30 |
60 |
30 |
5 (3, *,1) |
|
VIII |
Partial Shade |
16.5 |
10 |
30 |
100 |
30 |
5 (*, 4,12) |
Earthworm’s size: (large, medium,
small)
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