Project 6: EARTHWORM AS A SOIL INDICATOR

Introduction:
Earthworm affects the chemical composition of soils and is also responsible for the distribution of plant nutrients and their transport because they consume large quantities of surface litter and organic material. Casts can be seen on the surface in the morning. Soil acidity is the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soil. It is an invisible condition that directly affects soil fertility and toxicity. Soil acidification has an impact on the soil biodiversity.

Objectives:
To determine the effect of changes in soil physical factor, salinity, moisture content, pH on diversity and activity of earthworm population.

Methodology:
Sample collection-
Digging and hand sorting of soil is the simplest method of earthworm sampling, as it requires only a spade and quadrant, but may detect only those earthworms which live close to the soil surface litter dwelling (epigeic) and horizontal burrowing (endogeic) species. Adults of the deeper burrowing (anecic) species may be missed unless a hole is dug to several meters. Soil samples are to be taken from different sites and different species of earthworms are to be analyzed for number. Soil pH, moisture content, salinity are to be recorded for different sample. Experiments can be carried out at various salinity, moisture content and pH of different sample.
Observation:


Analysis:

1. The quantity and diversity of earthworm from different soil samples should be analyzed. The population can be directly correlated to the physical and chemical parameters.
2. The optimum pH and any factors can be predicted from the experiment.

Relevance:

Nutrient recycling of soil by earthworm and soil flora and fauna can be shown. The impact of human activity has already affected the natural recycling of nutrients which on the other-hand has direct effect on crop production.