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Earthworm Effects on Corn Residue Breakdown and Infiltration
Author(s) -
Zachmann J. E.,
Linden D. R.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1989.03615995005300060038x
Subject(s) - lumbricus rubellus , residue (chemistry) , earthworm , infiltration (hvac) , surface runoff , chemistry , agronomy , moisture , environmental chemistry , environmental science , biology , materials science , ecology , composite material , biochemistry , organic chemistry
Earthworm ( Lumbricus rubellus Hoffmeister) activity in the field has been implicated in increased rates of residue turnover, surface soil stabilization, and increased infiltration rates due to macroporous flow. A growth‐chamber study was conducted to evaluate some of the field variables associated with L. rubellus activity and tillage systems. Polyethylene buckets packed with sieved soil had either surface‐applied, incorporated, or no corn ( Zea mays L.) residue, each with or without worms. Treatments were subjected to diurnal temperature and light sequences, and periodic additions of water were made over 60 d to maintain near‐optimum moisture conditions. Corn was grown in the cultures for an additional 30 d and was harvested before a small amount of concentrated Br solution was sprayed on the soil surface. Cultures were then subjected to simulated rainfall. Corn residue in the surface‐residue treatment with worms degraded 30% faster than in the no‐worm control. Plant growth and N content were not affected by the presence of worms. Burrows and casts formed under surface residue were greater in number and stability than in other worm/residue combinations. The surface‐residue treatment with worms reduced runoff and caused incoming water to bypass the surface soil matrix, moving small quantities of Br to significantly greater depths than in other treatments. Depth of peak Br concentration was greater in no‐residue treatments than in surface‐residue/worm or incorporated‐residue/worm or no‐worm treatments, indicating a substantial difference in the displacement of surface‐applied Br during rainfall. L. rubellus may alter the water balance of field soils while simultaneously hastening decomposition of the residue mat.