Structure of earthworms community in maize and wheat cultivation

Abstract

Earthworms play an important role in the soil. When digging corridors, they loosen it, aerate it and mix minerals with the organic part. They contribute significantly to the improvement of its fertility. These organisms are also commonly used in monitoring the condition of soils with varying degrees of anthropopressure. The aim of the research was to analyze the structure of earthworm communities. The research was carried out on two sites (in the cultivation of maize and wheat). Lumbricidae were harvested by the mixed method, i.e. 25 x 25 x 25 cm soil blocks were analyzed. They were sorted by hand for the extraction of earthworms. 10 liters of 0.4% formalin solution were used to rinse oligochaetes from the deeper layers of the soil. The soil under wheat was characterized by a higher Lumbricidae density. Four species of earthworms have been found here. A. rosea had the greatest share in the community of earthworms in both sites. Research should be continued over a longer period of time.