Abstract
To quantify the role of earthworms in ecosystems, a precise and accurate estimation of their diversity, abundance and biomass is needed. In this chapter, we contribute to the optimization of earthworm sampling in terms of (1) how to sample, (2) where to sample and (3) how many samples to take. First, we assess optimal concentrations of chemical expellants (allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and mustard) recently recommended for earthworm sampling. The efficiency of these vermifuges is then evaluated against formalin application using a combined earthworm sampling method (extraction followed by hand sorting). Practical considerations are discussed. Like many living organisms, earthworm populations are neither uniformly nor randomly distributed, but exhibit an aggregated distribution in patches. The range of spatial autocorrelation in these patches is an important variable to consider in spatial sampling designs. Based on a literature overview, guidelines for spatial sampling design are presented. Finally, species rarefaction curves are used to determine the optimal sample size to accurately represent earthworm diversity.
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Acknowledgements
We thank Veerle Cielen, Eric Van Beek and Johan Wauters for their technical assistance during field work and earthworm identification.
This research is part of the project ‘Framework for assessing sustainability levels in Belgian agricultural systems-SAFE’ (CP 04) supported by the Belgian Science Policy Office. Financial support by the IWT project ECOWORM (project 040681) is gratefully acknowledged.
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Valckx, J., Govers, G., Hermy, M., Muys, B. (2011). Optimizing Earthworm Sampling in Ecosystems. In: Karaca, A. (eds) Biology of Earthworms. Soil Biology, vol 24. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14636-7_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14636-7_2
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