Dynamics of earthworm species at different depths of orchard soil receiving organic or chemical fertilizer amendments

Authors : Mojtaba YAHYAABADİ, Amir Hossein HAMİDİAN, Sohrab ASHRAFİ

Pages : 318-325

Doi:10.18393/ejss.454506

View : 57 | Download : 13

Publication Date : 2018-10-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :We investigated the dynamics of different earthworm species through the soil profile, which had received short-term amendments of either organic or inorganic fertilizer in an orchard during the spring of 2016. Earthworm populations were sampled at two consecutive depths of soil on 20 and 60 days after addition of fertilizers. The dominant earthworm species were Eisenia fetida insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Savigny, 1826);, Dendrobaena veneta insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Rosa, 1886);, Dendrobaena hortensis insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Michaelsen, 1890);, Lumbricus terrestris insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Linnaeus, 1758); and Aporrectodea longa insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Ude, 1885);. Seven different types of fertilizers including Urea, Ammonium sulfate insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(AS);, Diammonium phosphate insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(DAP);, Solupotas, NPK insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(15-5-25);, insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(NPK+OM); and organic manure insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(OM); as experimental treatments were studied. Fluctuations in earthworm numbers and biomass were attributed to changes in time and depth of sampling, in addition to the types of fertilizers. The results of the means comparison showed that on the 20th day, at 0-20 cm soil depth, E. fetida species abundance was decreased significantly in AS and Urea treatments compared to the control plot insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p˂0.05);. We highlighted that from epigeic group, D. hortensis species had a better chance to survive and its population in AS treatment was more than that of Urea treatment. Results also showed that the anecic L. terrestris , had a greater tolerance to chemical fertilizers compared to the A. Longa species. The results of this study outline more clear horizons in managing the use of chemical fertilizers while simultaneously maintaining the biodiversity of soil organisms.
Keywords : Chemical fertilizer, organic fertilizer, earthworm species, abundance, biomass

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