Summary
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
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