|
Individual
farmers follow their own management systems to suit their particular
needs so a large number of combinations of soil management practices
are used. Each of these practices undoubtedly has effects on earthworm
populations, yet it is often difficult to separate the effects due
to the interdependency between them. In addition, considerable natural
fluctuations in earthworm population occur between seasons (populations
are bigger in the winter), adding to the complexity of the system.
However, a healthy population of earthworms will be maintained
by providing them with an adequate food supply and an environment
conducive to their needs (e.g. moisture and temperature at acceptable
levels and undisturbed soil).
This can be controlled by making appropriate reductions in tillage,
limiting the use of pesticides (particularly fungicides and fumigants)
and increasing the returns of organic matter to the soil by utilising
fertilisers, manure and crop residues appropriately.
Intensive cropping farmers who do not do so already should endeavour
to include a phase of pasture in their cropping rotation, which
will not only encourage a healthy population of earthworms, but
also potentially enhance their soil structure and soil fertility.
For more information contact:
Dr Trish Fraser
Agricultural practices and earthworm
populations
|
Working
with us
