Summary
This field trial examined how organic soil amendments affect the midden microhabitats of Lumbricus terrestris earthworms in minimum tillage wheat production. Farmyard manure treatment produced significantly larger middens (20.6 ± 1.7 g dry weight, approximately double those in compost or control plots) with higher endogeic earthworm populations, whilst middens enriched with fresh wheat leaves supported substantially higher mesofauna abundance (up to 2.8-fold increase). The findings indicate that farmyard manure enhances earthworm habitat quality and associated soil biological communities in conventional arable systems.
UK applicability
This research is directly applicable to UK arable farming practice, as the study was conducted in UK minimum tillage wheat systems using commonly available amendments. The findings provide evidence-based guidance on how organic matter inputs can be managed to support soil fauna populations and soil health in conventional arable cultivation.
Key measures
Midden dry weight (g), endogeic earthworm abundance, mesofauna abundance (springtails, enchytraeidae, mites, millipedes), extractable nutrients (P, K, S, Mn)
Outcomes reported
The study measured macrofauna and mesofauna abundance, midden microhabitat size and physical properties, and nutrient availability in Lumbricus terrestris middens across different organic amendment treatments. Key findings included significant differences in endogeic earthworm populations, midden size, and mesofauna enrichment depending on amendment type.
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