Comparison of earthworm populations in arable and grassland fields in the Outer Western Carpathians, South Poland
Abstract
The impact of different geographical regions (Silesian Foothills, region 1 and Maly Beskids, region 2), and method of soil use (arable field and grassland) on the main soil properties and biological activity was studied. Earthworm biomass, density and diversity, as well as dehydrogenase activity, were analysed.
Significant soil physical and chemical properties were more affected by regions, whereas the type of land use had a greater impact on the biological properties. The mean earthworm density was 213 ind. m-2 and 241 ind. m-2 in grassland, and 50 ind. m-2 and 120 ind. m-2 in arable field, in region 1 and 2, respectively.
Eight earthworm species were recorded, and fewer species were recorded in arable field (1-4) than in grassland (6-7). The Silesian Foothills are a new habitat for the occurrence of the speciesFitzingeria platyura depressa.
A high earthworm density was accompanied by high microbial activity, and dehydrogenase activity was lower in the soil of arable field than in grassland soil. (C) 2016 Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences.