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Comparison of earthworm populations in arable and grassland fields in the Outer Western Carpathians, South Poland

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Abstract

The impact of different geographical regions (Silesian Foothills, region 1 and Mały Beskids, region 2), and method of soil use (arable field and grassland) on the main soil properties and biological activity was studied. Earthworm biomass, density and diversity, as well as dehydrogenase activity, were analysed. Significant soil physical and chemical properties were more affected by regions, whereas the type of land use had a greater impact on the biological properties. The mean earthworm density was 213 ind. m−2 and 241 ind. m−2 in grassland, and 50 ind. m−2 and 120 ind. m−2 in arable field, in region 1 and 2, respectively. Eight earthworm species were recorded, and fewer species were recorded in arable field (1–4) than in grassland (6–7). The Silesian Foothills are a new habitat for the occurrence of the species Fitzingeria platyura depressa. A high earthworm density was accompanied by high microbial activity, and dehydrogenase activity was lower in the soil of arable field than in grassland soil.

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Acknowledgements

The study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Poland, under grant No. N N310 780640.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Agriculture and Economy Faculty, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 30-120, Krakow, Poland

    Agnieszka Józefowska & Anna Miechówka

  2. Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, José Martího 407/2, CZ 6200, Prague 6, Czech Republic

    Jan Frouz

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  1. Agnieszka Józefowska
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Correspondence to Agnieszka Józefowska.

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Józefowska, A., Miechówka, A. & Frouz, J. Comparison of earthworm populations in arable and grassland fields in the Outer Western Carpathians, South Poland. Biologia 71, 316–322 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1515/biolog-2016-0035

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