Earthworm population dynamics in different agricultural rotations

Abstract

Few investigations of earthworms have been made in agricultural rotations and most have been occasional samplings. The disadvantage of occasional sampling in a rotation is that insufficient consideration is given to the previous history of the field. Population sizes may be correlated with the present crop when they should have been correlated with a previous crop or treatment. If earthworms are sampled in a rotation during different years it is difficult to separate effects of differences in weather from those of agricultural treatments.