Abstract
Forty one sites in mango gardens located in different districts of southern Karnataka were selected for the study during September 1984. Rate of surface cast production, earthworm density and species composition of each site were recorded and compared in relation to the soil moisture, pH, temperature, organic matter and soil type of each site. Only 19 out of the 41 sites examined showed surface casting. Rate of surface cast production is dependent on soil, pH, temperature, soil type and organic matter content. The bulk density of the soil established a direct linear correlation, and the field capacity of soil, a perfect U-shaped (parabolic) relationship with the rate of surface cast production. Sandy loams had greater species diversity as well as population density than the clays. Worms were not found in heavy sands and acid soils. Positive correlations were obtained between organic matter and species diversity or density; other factors were poorly correlated. A positive correlation between the cast output and the relaxed length of the worm was obtained. It is discussed that the field capacity and bulk density of soils are the determining factors for variations in surface cast production.
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Krishnamoorthy, R.V. Factors affecting the surface cast production by some earthworms of Indian tropics. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. (Anim. Sci.) 98, 431–445 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03179656
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03179656