TITLE: Earthworms in Agriculture
PUBLICATION DATE: November 1996
ENTRY DATE: November 15, 1996
EXPIRATION DATE: None
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EARTHWORMS IN AGRICULTURE
JANUARY 1994 - SEPTEMBER 1996
159 citations from AGRICOLA
by Mary V. Gold
1. NAL Call No.: RA1270.P35A1
32P-postlabeling determination of DNA adducts in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris exposed to
PAH-contaminated soils.
Walsh, P.; El Adlouni, C.; Mukhopadhyay, M. J.; Viel, G.; Nadeau, D.; Poirier, G. G.
Bull-environ-contam-toxicol v.54(5): p.654-661. (1995 May)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricus-terrestris; earthworms-; aromatic-hydrocarbons; polluted-soils; toxicity-; dna-;
phosphorus-; isotope-labeling; quebec-; polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons; genotoxicity-
2. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Ability of the earthworms Aporrectodea rosea and Aporrectodea trapezoides to increase plant growth and
the foliar concentration of elements in wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Spear) in a sandy loam soil.
Stephens, P. M.; Davoren, C. W.; Doube, B. M.; Ryder, M. H. Biol-fertil-soils v.18(2): p.150-154. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: triticum-aestivum; aporrectodea-caliginosa; aporrectodea-; population-density; growth-;
foliage-; concentration-; trace-elements; foliar- nutrition; roots-; weight-; sandy-loam-soils
3. NAL Call No.: RA1270.P35A1
Acute toxicity studies with earthworms, Lumbricus terrestris.
Ebere, A. G.; Akintonwa, A. Bull-environ-contam-toxicol v.55(5): p.766-770. (1995 Nov.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: pesticides-; fuels-; earthworms-; lumbricus-terrestris; nontarget-organisms; toxicity-; nigeria-
4. NAL Call No.: 56.9-So3
Aggregate stability under oak and pine after four decades of soil development.
Graham, R. C.; Ervin, J. O.; Wood, H. B. Soil-Sci-Soc-Am-j. [Madison, Wis.] Soil Science Society of
America v.59 (6)p.1740-1744 (1995 Nov.-1995 Dec.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: quercus-dumosa; pinus-coulteri; forest-soils; comparisons-; aggregates-; stability-;
soil-formation; soil-organic-matter; horizons-; earthworms-; worm-casts; water-stable-aggregates;
soil-aggregation
Abstract: The development of water-stable aggregates is an important soil genesis process because it
strongly influences important soil characteristics, including infiltration, aeration, and erodibility. We
studied a 41-yr-old biosequence of lysimeter soils at the San Dimas Experimental Forest in southern
California to assess water-stable aggregates as a function of the imposed scrub oak (Quercus dumosa Nutt.)
and Coulter pine (Pinus coulteri B. Don) communities. Significantly different aggregate stabilities
developed in these initially identical and homogeneous soils. Earthworms under the oak produced a
7-cm-thick A horizon composed almost entirely of worm casts. Casts were also deposited within the litter
of the Oi horizon. The A horizon and the Oi horizon worm casts had aggregate stabilities near 90%,
approximately 35 g kg-1 organic C, and abundant fungal hyphae, as observed by scanning electron
microscopy. The 1-cm-thick A horizon under pine contained no worm casts and had 78% water-stable
aggregates, 12.9 g kg-1 organic C, and abundant very fine roots and fungal hyphae. Subsoils under both
oak and pine had 43 to 51% water-stable aggregates, attributable to inorganic binding mechanisms since
organic C contents were less than or equal to 4 g kg-1, roots were relatively few, and no fungal hyphae
were observed. After 41 yr of soil formation, aggregate stability was approximately 15% greater and the
volume of stable aggregates was seven times larger under scrub oak than under Coulter pine.
5. NAL Call No.: 100-C12Cag
Almond growers reduce pesticide use in Merced County field trials.
Hendricks, L. C. Calif-agric v.49(1): p.5-10. (1995 Jan.-1995 Feb.)
Descriptors: orchards-; pest-management; prunus-dulcis; insecticides-; insect-pests; beneficial-insects;
soil-organic-matter; soil-fertility; oligochaeta-; parasites-of-insect-pests; crop-yield; california-
6. NAL Call No.: QP501.C6
Alterations in polyamine levels of nematode, earthworm, leech and planarian during regeneration,
temperature and osmotic stresses.
Hamana, K.; Hamana, H.; Shinozawa, T. Comp-biochem-physiol-Part-B,-Biochem-mol-biol v.111B(1):
p.91-97. (1995 May)
Includes references.
Descriptors: nematoda-; earthworms-; planaria-; hirudo-; regeneration-; polyamines-; biosynthesis-;
ornithine-decarboxylase; cold-stress; heat-shock; temperature-; osmotic-pressure
Abstract: Free-living nematodes, Caenorhabditis elegans and Dorylaimus fodori, contain putrescine and
spermidine. Putrescine, spermidine and spermine occur in the parasitic Nematoda, Ascaris suum, Anisakis
simplex and Dirofilaria immitis. Earthworms, Eisenia foetida, Tubifex hattai and Pheretima
communissima and the leech, Hirudo nipponia (belonging to Annelida) and the planarian, Dugesia
japonica (belonging to Platyhelminthes) contain homospermidine and spermine in addition to putrescine
and spermidine. Regenerated heads of E. foetida and D. japonica are rich in putrescine indicating the
stimulation of its synthesis during regeneration. Putrescine and spermidine levels temporarily increase
after heat shock in C. elegans, E. foetida and D. japonica and cold shock and hypertonic osmotic shock
treatments in D. japonica.
7. NAL Call No.: 442.8-B5236
Annetocin: an oxytocin-related peptide isolated from the earthworm, Eisenia foetida.
Oumi, T.; Ukena, K.; Matsushima, O.; Ikeda, T.; Fujita, T.; Minakata, H.; Nomoto, K.
Biochem-biophys-res-commun v.198(1): p.393-399. (1994 Jan.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: eisenia-fetida; earthworms-; peptides-; isolation-; characterization-; oxytocin-; vasopressin-;
osmoregulation-
Abstract: An oxytocin-vasopressin-related peptide, Cys-Phe-Val-Arg-Cys-Prp-Thr-Gly-NH2, was isolated
from the lumbricid earthworm, Eisenia foetida and termed annetocin. Annetocin potentiated not only
spontaneous contractions of the gut but also pulsatory contractions and bladder- shaking movement of the
nephridia. Annetocin may be involved in osmoregulation of the animal through nephridial function.
8. NAL Call No.: 99.8-F762
As the worm turns.
Nixon, W. Am-for v.101(9): p.34-36. (1995 Autumn)
Descriptors: forest-damage; forest-soils; fungi-; earthworms-; oligochaeta-; forests-; forest-litter
9. NAL Call No.: 57.8-C734
Bins enter the schools.
Appelhof, M. Biocycle v.35(10): p.66-67. (1994 Oct.)
Descriptors: vermicomposting-; earthworms-; educational-programs
10. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E52
Bioconcentration and Biokinetics of heavy metals in the earthworm.
Neuhauser, E. F.; Cukic, Z. V.; Malecki, M. R.; Loehr, R. C.; Durkin, P. R. Environ-pollut v.89(3):
p.293-301. (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: earthworms-; aporrectodea-caliginosa; lumbricus-rubellus; heavy-metals; cadmium-; copper-;
lead-; nickel-; zinc-; concentration-; kinetics- ; polluted-soils
11. NAL Call No.: QL391.A6E3--1996
Biology and ecology of earthworms. 3rd ed. Biology of earthworms.
Edwards, C. A. C. A. 1.; Edwards, C. A. C. A. 1.; Bohlen, P. J. xii, 426p. (Chapman and Hall, London ;
New York , 1996)
Originally published: Biology of earthworms / C.A. Edwards, J.R. Lofty. 1972.
Descriptors: Earthworms-
12. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Biotic manipulation effects on soil carbohydrates and microbial biomass in a cultivated soil.
Hu, S.; Coleman, D. C.; Hendrix, P. F.; Beare, M. H. Soil-biol-biochem v.27(9): p.1127-1135. (1995 Sept.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: ultisols-; soil-types-cultural; soil-organic-matter; cycling-; roots-; soil-fungi; soil-arthropods;
earthworms-; carbohydrates-; soil-flora; biomass-; carbon-; nitrogen-; microarthropods-;
soil-organic-matter-dynamics
Abstract: Plant roots, fungi and soil fauna are important soil ecological constituents, which have
substantial influences on soil C dynamics and nutrient cycling. Four biotic treatments (root exclusion,
earthworm addition, fungicide and insecticide applications) were designed to investigate the influences of
plant roots, fungi, microarthropods and earthworms on soil C dynamics and nutrient cycling in the field.
Soils under these four treatments and their untreated controls in a 40 year old mixed meadow in the
Georgia piedmont were analyzed for total organic C, soil N, microbial biomass C and N, and
carbohydrates for 2 years. Root exclusion significantly reduced the concentrations of soil carbohydrates (P
< 0.05) as determined by gas chromatography, with only slight differences in total C between the
treatments and the controls. Microbial biomass C and N were significantly lower under root exclusion and
fungicide treatment than under the control. Root exclusion and inhibition of soil fungi significantly
reduced soil N content, suggesting that both roots and fungi contribute to the retention of soil organic N or
contribute as a source of N in cultivated soils. Microbial biomass determined in this study was strongly
related to total carbohydrates (P << 0.01). Mannose, a sugar mainly of microbial origin, significantly
decreased in the surface 5 cm soils under fungicide treatment, while little effects of the arthropod repellant
naphthalene were found in any of the measurements. Significant reductions in xylose and glucose but not
in mannose after earthworm additions suggested that earthworms accelerated the turnover of plant
materials in soils. The results confirmed that the short-term effects of soil biota on SOM dynamics.
derived carbohydrates are relatively dominant in the total carbohydrate pool. When combined with
information on microbial biomass, soil carbohydrate ratios may be a useful indicator of changes in SOM
status as a function of biotic and management regimes in cultivated soils.
13. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Breakdown of plant residues with contrasting chemical compositions under humid tropical conditions:
effects of earthworms and millipedes.
Tian, G.; Brussaard, L.; Kang, B. T. Soil-biol-biochem v.27(3): p.277-280. (1995 Mar.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: tropical-soils; humid-tropics; soil-fauna; diplodia-; oligochaeta-; biological-activity-in-soil;
pruning-trash; maize-stover; rice-straw; decomposition-; mineralization-; plant-composition;
carbon-nitrogen-ratio; lignin-; polyphenols-; chrysobalanaceae-; gliricidia-sepium; leucaena-leucocephala;
zea-mays; oryza-sativa; nigeria-; spirostreptidae-; eudrilus-eugeniae; dactyladenia-barteri
Abstract: The effects of tropical earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) and millipedes (Spirostreptidae) on the
breakdown of plant residues [Acioa (presently, Dactyladenia) barteri, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena
leucocephala prunings, maize (Zea mays) stover and rice (Oryza sativa) straw], with contrasting chemical
compositions, were studied in the field under humid tropical circumstances. Addition of earthworms
significantly increased the breakdown of maize stover. Addition of millipedes significantly increased the
breakdown of maize stover and rice straw. Combined addition of earthworms and millipedes generally
resulted in greater plant residue breakdown, compared to that of a single group of fauna. During 10 weeks
of exposure, earthworms and millipedes, on average, accounted for the breakdown of all plant residues by
10.4 and 28.4%, respectively. Millipedes and earthworms contributed more to the breakdown of plant
residues with low quality (high C-to-N ratio, lignin and polyphenol contents) than to the degradation of
those with high quality. It is concluded that fauna-enhanced breakdown of plant residues will have
different effects on soil nutrient supply, depending on residue quality.
14. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Burial of soil-surface artifacts in the presence of lumbricid earthworms.
Yeates, G. W.; Meulen, H. v. d. Biol-fertil-soils v.19(1): p.73-74. (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: earthworms-; lumbricidae-; wire-; topsoil-; soil-movement; worm-casts;
biological-activity-in-soil; grassland-soils; forest-soils; pastures-; new-zealand; soil-bioturbation;
burial-by-worm-casts; topsoil-mixing; wire-rings; surface-casting
15. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E29
Cadmium-induced mRNA encoding a nonmetallothionein 33-kDa protein in Enchytraeus buchholzi
(Oligochaeta).
Willuhn, J.; Schmitt Wrede, H. P.; Greven, H.; Wunderlich, F. Ecotoxicol-environ-saf v.29(1): p.93-100.
(1994 Oct.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: enchytraeus-; cadmium-; dosage-effects; messenger-rna; induction-; uptake-; concentration-;
survival-; mortality-; reproduction-; toxicity-; biological-indicators; pollution-; bioconcentration-
16. NAL Call No.: 1-F766Fi
Can earthworms survive fire retardants.
Beyer, W. N.; Olson, A. Fire-Manage-Notes. Washington, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service v.56
(1)p.25-27 (1996)
Includes references.
Descriptors: forest-fires; fire-retardants; oligochaeta-; earthworms-; toxicity-
17. NAL Call No.: 381-J824
cDNA cloning of a cadmium-inducible mRNA encoding a novel cysteine-rich, non-metallothionein
25-kDa protein in an enchytraeid earthworm.
Willuhn, J.; Schmitt Wrede, H. P.; Greven, H.; Wunderlich, F. J-biol-chem v.269(40): p.24688-24691.
(1994 Oct.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: enchytraeus-; earthworms-; cadmium-; cysteine-; sulfur-proteins; genes-;
complementary-dna; messenger-rna; induction-; nucleotide- sequences; amino-acid-sequences;
molecular-sequence-data; genbank; x79344-; embl; x79344-
Abstract: Cadmium accumulation and its effect on gene expression have been investigated at sublethal
cadmium concentrations in the soil oligochaete Enchytraeus buchholzi. This worm is capable of
accumulating cadmium to large amounts, which coincides with the induction of a mRNA isolated as a
cDNA clone by differential screening of a cDNA library constructed from cadmium-treated enchytraeids.
The cDNA-clone designated CRP1 is 1474 base pairs in length and contains a 753-base pair open reading
frame, encoding a novel Cys-rich non-metallothionein protein. In vitro translation of the in vitro
transcribed CRP1 results in a protein with a molecular mass of 25 kDa and an pI of approximately 7.5.
These values are consistent with those predicted from the deduced amino acid sequence. The CRP protein
contains 27% Cys, most of them arranged in Cys-X-Cys and Cys-Cys segments. The sequence is also
characterized by a 31-amino-acid motif, which is tandemly repeated along the sequence. Northern blot
analysis reveals that the CRP gene is not constitutively expressed in untreated worms, but rather it is
rapidly induced by cadmium. The CRP gene may be a promising candidate gene for monitoring
bioavailable cadmium at subtoxic levels in terrestric environments.
18. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Changes in potassium availability and other soil properties due to soil ingestion by earthworms.
Baskar, A.; Kirkman, J. H.; Macgregor, A. N. Biol-fertil-soils v.17(2): p.154-158. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: aporrectodea-caliginosa; lumbricus-rubellus; potassium-; bioavailability-; soil-texture;
soil-types; cation-exchange-capacity; cations-; ph-; biological-activity-in-soil
19. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Changes in the composition of sugarcane harvest residues during decomposition as a surface mulch.
Spain, A. V.; Hodgen, M. J. Biol-fertil-soils v.17(3): p.225-231. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: sugarcane-; harvesting-; plant-residues; decomposition-; mulches-; chemical-composition;
change-; earthworms-; queensland-
20. NAL Call No.: 500-N484
Chemical toxicity and host defense in earthworms: an invertebrate model.
Goven, A. J.; Fitzpatrick, L. C.; Venables, B. J. Ann-NY-Acad-Sci. New York : New York Academy of
Sciences v.712p.280-300 (1994)
Paper presented at the conference "Primordial Immunity: Foundations for the Vertebrate Immune System,"
May 2-5, 1993, Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
Descriptors: lumbricus-terrestris; immune-system; toxicity-; defense-mechanisms; chemicals-; pollutants-;
immunoassay-; lysozyme-; enzyme-activity; toxicology-; risk-; animal-models; immunotoxicity-;
risk-assessment
21. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E29
CO2 production in three earthworm species exposed to terbuthylazine and carbofuran in food.
Brunninger, B.; Viswanathan, R.; Beese, F. Ecotoxicol-environ-saf v.32(1): p.68-72. (1995 Oct.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: terbuthylazine-; carbofuran-; toxicity-; lumbricus-rubellus; lumbricus-terrestris; eisenia-;
oral-administration; exposure-; duration-; carbon- dioxide; gas-production; respiration-;
nontarget-organisms; eisenia-andrei
22. NAL Call No.: QL461.E532
Colonization and degradation of cattle dung: aspects of sampling, fecal composition, and artificially
formed pats.
Barth, D.; Karrer, M.; Heinze Mutz, E. M.; Elster, N. Environ-entomol v.23(3): p.571-578. (1994 June)
Includes references.
Descriptors: cattle-dung; staphylinidae-; coleoptera-; scarabaeidae-; diptera-; lumbricidae-; degradation-;
germany-
Abstract: Many biotic and abiotic factors influence colonization and degradation of cattle dung pats. Thus,
studies using the pat as an experimental unit require precise methodology to prevent misinterpretation of
results. This paper reports trials in which impact of methodological procedures on dung fauna and dung
degradation was investigated. Factors investigated were pat position on pasture, sampling techniques,
influence of various diets. and a comparison between naturally voided versus artificially formed pats.
Parameters used to measure these factors included quantitative and qualitative monitoring of dung fauna,
including Coleoptera, Diptera, bacteria, nematodes, and Lumbricidae, and assays of pH, moisture content,
and organic matter content of dung. An influence of pat position on colonization was seen, with
Staphylinidae occurring more frequently in pats located toward the center of a pasture compared with pats
located close to a road. Coleoptera larvae preferred the northern parts of the pats. Pat composition
influenced colonization of coleoptera. Staphylinidae and Scarabaeidae preferred pats from cattle fed with
grass, but Hydrophilidae preferred pats from cattle fed corn silage. More Coleoptera larvae were collected
from pats produced by grazing cattle compared with pats from cattle fed hay or corn silage. There were no
significant differences between artificial and natural pats as to the total number of Coleoptera, Diptera, or
bacteria collected. However, development of Diptera larvae was accelerated in the artificial pats.
Degradation of pats measured by content of organic substance and pat area was similar in artificial and
natural pats.
23. NAL Call No.: 448.3-Ap5
Comparative assessment of the aerobic and anaerobic microfloras of earthworm guts and forest soils.
Karsten, G. R.; Drake, H. L. Appl-environ-microbiol v.61(3): p.1039-1044. (1995 Mar.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricus-rubellus; oligochaeta-; earthworms-; intestinal-microorganisms; aerobes-;
anaerobes-; bacterial-count; carbohydrate-metabolism; glucose-; cellobiose-; ferulic-acid; metabolism-;
comparisons-; forest-soils; broadleaved-deciduous-forests; octolasium-lacteum
Abstract: Aerobic and anaerobic microbial potentials of guts from earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus
Hoffmeister and Octolasium lacteum (Oerl.)) collected from a beech forest were evaluated. On the basis of
enumeration studies, microbes capable of growth under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions were more
numerous in the earthworm intestine than in the beech forest soil from which the worms were obtained.
The intestine of worms displayed nearly equivalent aerobic and anaerobic microbial growth potentials; in
comparison, soils displayed greater aerobic than anaerobic microbial growth potentials. Hence, the ratio of
microbes capable of growth under obligately anaerobic conditions to those capable of growth under
aerobic conditions was higher with the worm intestine than with the soil. Process level studies corroborated
these population differentials: (i) under anaerobic conditions, worm gut homogenates consumed glucose,
cellobiose, or ferulate more readily than did soil homogenates; and (ii) under aerobic conditions, worm gut
homogenates consumed cellobiose or oxygen more readily than did soil homogenates. Collectively, these
results reinforce the general concept that the earthworm gut is not microbiologically equivalent to soil and
also suggest that the earthworm gut might constitute a microhabitat enriched in microbes capable of
anaerobic growth and activity.
24. NAL Call No.: S590.C63
Comparison of buried bag and PVC core methods for in situ measurement of nitrogen mineralization rates
in an agricultural soil.
Subler, S.; Parmelee, R. W.; Allen, M. F. Commun-soil-sci-plant-anal v.26(15/16): p.2369-2381. (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: agricultural-soils; nitrogen-; mineralization-; determination-; measurement-;
analytical-methods; comparisons-; nitrogen-; nutrient-sources; earthworms-; populations-
Abstract: We compared estimates of soil nitrogen (N) mineralization rates using the buried bag and PVC
core methods in an ongoing investigation of the effects of earthworms and N fertilizer sources on
agroecosystem N dynamics. Over a seven-month period, we paired monthly buried bag and PVC core soil
incubations within research plots receiving one of three N treatments (inorganic, legume, or manure
fertilizers) and with manipulated earthworm populations (reduced, ambient, or increased numbers). Soil
moisture within both the buried bags and the PVC cores fluctuated in response to changes in the
surrounding soil, violating assumptions of the buried bag method that soil moisture remains constant
during incubation. For both methods, overall CV's for net ammonification, nitrification, and N
mineralization rates were very high (104-628%). Overall, results for the two methods were significantly
correlated for net ammonification (r = 0.89), net nitrification (r = 0.58), and net N mineralization (r =
0.24). In general, the two methods yielded similar seasonal estimates of net N mineralization and
nitrification. However, on one occasion in the plots with the inorganic N treatment, buried bag estimates
of net N mineralization were significantly higher than the PVC core estimates (1.5 versus -0.4 mg N.kg-1
soil.d-1, respectively). Under some conditions, the two methods may lead to quite different interpretations
of soil N mineralization processes.
25. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E29
Comparison of forest soil microcosm and acute toxicity studies for determining effects of fenitrothion on
earthworms.
Addison, J. A.; Holmes, S. B. Ecotoxicol-environ-saf v.30(2): p.127-130. (1995 Mar.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: fenitrothion-; toxicity-; eisenia-fetida; dendrobaena-; sublethal-effects; susceptibility-;
mortality-; burrowing-; forest-litter; soil-organic- matter; growth-; reproduction-; species-differences;
dendrobaena-octaedra
26. NAL Call No.: QH540.J6
Comparison of water movement and quality in earthworm burrows and pan lysimeters.
Shipitalo, M. J.; Edwards, W. M.; Redmond, C. E. J-environ-qual v.23(6): p.1345-1351. (1994 Nov.-1994
Dec.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricus-terrestris; animal-burrows; water-flow; nitrate-nitrogen; water-flow;
nitrate-nitrogen; ammonium-nitrogen; pollutants-; macropore-flow; no-tillage-; tillage-;
continuous-cropping; zea-mays; conventional-tillage
Abstract: Although a number of investigators have suggested that earthworm burrows can affect water
movement and quality, little attempt has been made to directly measure their effect in the field. Using
individual samplers, we monitored flow in Lumbricus terrestris L. burrows for 11 mo in adjacent no-till
and conventionally tilled watersheds used for the continuous production of corn (Zea mays L.).
Tension-free pan lysimeters were used to assess the composition and amount of bulk subsurface flow in
each watershed and SrBr2.6H20 tracer was broadcast on a 25-m2 area surrounding the samplers. In both
watersheds the earthworm burrows functioned as preferential flow paths collecting more water, NO3-N,
Br, NH4-N, and Sr than an equivalent area of soil overlying the pan lysimeters. Transport through the bulk
soil was less in the tilled than in the no-till watershed, and the burrows in the tilled watershed were less
effective flow paths than those in the no-till watershed, apparently due to disruption by tillage. Based on
an estimated 1.6 million burrows (greater than or equal to 5-mm diam.) per hectare, the amount of water,
NO3- N, Br, and Sr transported in these macropores was small, representing < 5% of the totals measured
using pan lysimeters. Data from burrow samplers and pan lysimeters installed in five farmer-owned, no-till
fields under different soils and production practices supported the results obtained in the no-till
experimental watershed.
27. NAL Call No.: QP501.E8
The complete sequence of a 40-kDa actin-modulating protein from the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris.
Giebing, T.; Hinssen, H.; D'Haese, J. Eur-j-biochem v.225(3): p.773-779. (1994 Nov.)
The accession number ju0190 does not conform to standard format.
Descriptors: lumbricus-terrestris; earthworms-; actin-; proteins-; complementary-dna; clones-;
dna-libraries; nucleotide-sequences; amino-acid- sequences; comparisons-; binding-site;
earthworm-actin-modulators; molecular-sequence-data; genbank; l31800-; genbank; z32528-; pir; ju0190-;
sequence-alignment
Abstract: The complete primary structure of a 40-kDa actin-modulating protein from the earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris is presented A muscle- specific cDNA library of the earthworm was constructed and
screened with a specific DNA probe obtained by polymerase chain reaction considering information from
peptide sequencing. A full-length clone with a coding region of 1098 bp was isolated. The deduced
polypeptide sequence of 366 amino acids (41457 Da) reveals the segmental structure typical of both the
40-kDa and 80-kDa actin-modulating proteins. Prominent similarities to the 80-kDa protein gelsolin
especially exist with respect to the first segment and to the C-terminal segment. The comparatively high
nucleation efficiency of the earthworm actin modulator is probably determined by its third segment which
seems to enable the earthworm actin modulator to bind a second G-actin molecule more tightly than other
previously described 40-kDa modulators.
28. NAL Call No.: QP33.J681
Dehydration of earthworm cocoons exposed to cold: a novel cold hardiness mechanism.
Holmstrup, M.; Westh, P. J-comp-physiol,-B-Biochem-syst-environ-physiol v.164(4): p.312-315. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: earthworms-; dendrobaena-; cocoons-; cold-resistance; dehydration-physiological; water-;
dendrobaena-octaedra; osmotically-active-water
Abstract: Mechanisms involved in cold hardiness of cocoons of the lumbricid earthworm Dendrobaena
octaedra were elucidated by osmometric and calorimetric studies of water relations in cocoons exposed to
subzero temperatures. Fully hydrated cocoons contained ca. 3 g water g dry weight-1; about 15% of this
water (0.5 g g dry weight-1) was osmotically inactive or "bound". The melting point of the cocoon fluids in
fully hydrated cocoons was--0.20 degrees C. Exposure to frozen surroundings initially resulted in
supercooling of the cocoon fluids, but over a period of 1-2 weeks the cocoons dehydrated (as a result of
the vapour pressure difference at a given temperature between supercooled water and ice) to an extent
where the vapour pressure of water in the body fluids was in equilibrium with the surrounding ice. This
resulted in a profound dehydration of the cocoons, even at mild freezing exposures, and a concomitant
slight reduction in the amount of osmotically inactive water. At temperatures around -8 degrees C, which
cocoons readily survive, almost all ( > 97%) osmotically active water had been withdrawn from the
cocoons. It is suggested that cold injuries in D. octaedra cocoons observed at still lower temperatures may
be related to the degree of dehydration, and possibly to the loss of all osmotically active water. The study
indicates that ice formation in the tissues is prevented by equilibrating the body fluid melting point with
the exposure temperature. This winter survival mechanism does not conform with the freeze
tolerance/freeze avoidance classification generally applied to cold-hardy poikilotherms. Implications of this
cold hardiness mechanism for other semi-terrestrial invertebrates are.
29. NAL Call No.: 421-C674
Detection of mucus-producing prey by Carabus nemoralis Mueller and Scaphinotus marginatus Fischer
(Coleoptera: Carabidae).
Digweed, S. C. Coleopt-bull v.48(4): p.361-369. (1994 Dec.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: carabidae-; orientation-; animal-behavior; deroceras-reticulatum; earthworms-; mucus-;
sex-differences; environmental-factors; predator- prey-relationships
30. NAL Call No.: QL392.J68
Dicelis keymeri sp. n. (Nematoda: Drilonematidae) from the earthworm Octolasium pseudotranspadanum
Zicsi, 1971 (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae).
Morand, S.; Ivanova, E. S.; Vaucher, C. J-Helminthol-Soc-Wash v.63(1): p.19-23. (1996 Jan.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: nematoda-; octolasion-; animal-parasitic-nematodes; new-species; morphology-; taxonomy-;
hungary-
31. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E29
Dietary uptake of superlipophilic compounds by earthworms (Eisenia andrei).
Belfroid, A.; Meiling, J.; Drenth, H. J.; Hermens, J.; Seinen, W.; Gestel, K. v. Ecotoxicol-environ-saf
v.31(3): p.185-191. (1995 Aug.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: eisenia-; organic-compounds; polychlorinated-biphenyls; pollutants-; uptake-; diet-;
concentration-; excretion-; pharmacokinetics-; toxicology-; hexabromobenzene-; octachloronaphthalene-
32. NAL Call No.: 442.8-An72
Distribution and prevalence of the predatory planarian Artioposthia triangulata (Dendy) (Tricladida:
Terricola) in Scotland.
Boag, B.; Palmer, L. F.; Neilson, R.; Chambers, S. J. Ann-appl-biol v.124(1): p.165-171. (1994 Feb.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: planaria-; predators-; earthworms-; agricultural-land; population-distribution; scotland-
33. NAL Call No.: TD172.C54
Distribution and transport of atrazine as influenced by surface cultivation, earthworm population and
rainfall pattern.
Sigua, G. C.; Isensee, A. R.; Sadeghi, A. M.; Im, G. J. Chemosphere v.31(10): p.4237-4242. (1995 Nov.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: atrazine-; herbicide-residues; leaching-; tillage-; no-tillage-; population-density; rain-;
saturated-hydraulic-conductivity; macropores-
34. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E29
Earthworm and food interactions on bioaccumulation and disappearance in soil of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons: studies on phenanthrene and fluoranthene.
Ma, W. C.; Immerzeel, J.; Bodt, J. Ecotoxicol-environ-saf v.32(3): p.226-232. (1995 Dec.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: polycyclic-hydrocarbons; contaminants-; lumbricus-rubellus; earthworms-; lipids-;
concentration-; exposure-; duration-; degradation-; polluted-soils; food-limitation
35. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Earthworm biomass response to soil management in semi-arid tropical Alfisol agroecosystems.
Reddy, M. V.; Kumar, V. P. K.; Reddy, V. R.; Balashouri, P.; Yule, D. F.; Cogle, A. L.; Jangawad, L. S.
Biol-fertil-soils v.19(4): p.317-321. (1995)
Special Issue: Microbial and faunal biomass in soils. II.
Descriptors: earthworms-; lampito-mauritii; farmyard-manure; rice-straw; tillage-; no-tillage-; biomass-;
spatial-variation; temporal-variation; dry- season; rainy-season; india-; octochaetona-phillotti;
octonochaeta-rosea
36. NAL Call No.: SF597.E3L35--1994
Earthworm breeding for profit : practical production and marketing of earthworms in Australia and New
Zealand. 2nd ed.
Lambert, D. 32p. [Naremburn, N.S.W.? : s.n.] , 1994)
Includes bibliographical references (p. [3] of cover).
Descriptors: Earthworm-culture; Earthworms-Marketing
37. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E52
Earthworm communities along a gradient of urbanization.
Pizl, V.; Josens, G. Environ-pollut v.90(1): p.7-14. (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: earthworms-; population-density; biomass-production; cadmium-; magnesium-; lead-;
copper-; zinc-; concentration-; soil-pollution; urban- areas; belgium-
38. NAL Call No.: QL391.A6E22--1995
Earthworm ecology and biogeography in North America.
Hendrix, P. F. 244 : ill., mapsp. ( Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton FL:. 1995)
Includes bibliographical references and indexes. Status of exotic earthworm systematics and biogeography
in North America -- Systematics, biogeography, and ecology of nearctic earthworms from Eastern,
Central, Southern, and Southwestern United States -- Native earthworms of the Pacific Northwest: an
ecological overview -- Native earthworms of the north neotropical region: current status and controversies
-- Native and exotic earthworms in wildland ecosystems -- Influences of earthworms in biogeochemistry --
Earthworms and their influence on soil structure and infiltration -- Earthworms in agroecosystems --
Earthworms and sustainable land use.
Descriptors: Earthworms-Ecology-North-America; Earthworms-North-America-Geographical-distribution
39. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Earthworm effects on N dynamics and soil respiration in microcosms receiving organic and inorganic
nutrients.
Bohlen, P. J.; Edwards, C. A. Soil-biol-biochem v.27(3): p.341-348. (1995 Mar.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricus-terrestris; aporrectodea-caliginosa; biological-activity-in-soil; nitrogen-cycle;
nutrient-sources; nitrogen-fertilizers; cattle- manure; vicia-villosa; crop-residues; respiration-;
nitrate-nitrogen; ammonium-nitrogen; nutrient-availability; soil-flora; biomass-; nitrogen-; mineralization-;
immobilization-; microbial-biomass-nitrogen
Abstract: We designed a microcosm experiment to investigate the effects of earthworms on N cycling
processes and microbial activity, in soil receiving organic or inorganic nutrient amendments. Cylindrical
microcosms contained 161. of field-collected soil that received 1 of 3 nutrient amendments, added to the
upper 5 cm of soil at a rate of 150 kg N ha-1: (I) granular NH4NO3. fertilizer; (2) straw-packed dairy cow
manure; and (3) air-dried hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) legume residue. There were 4 replicates of each
nutrient treatment without earthworms, and 4 replicates with a total of 21 earthworms added per
microcosm (a mixed community of Lumbricus terrestris and Aporrectodea tuberculata). The microcosms
were incubated for 112 days. Soil respiration was measured continuously and extractable NO(3) and NH(4)
and microbial biomass- N were measured, periodically, at 0-5 and 5-15cm. Earthworms had significant
effects on amounts of extractable NO(3), which increased with time, and were greatest in soil that received
NH4NO3 fertilizer and least in soil that received legume residues. On the final sample date (112 days),
earthworms increased amounts of extractable NO3 at the 0-5 cm soil depth 1.83-, 1.88- and 1.26-fold in
microcosms supplied with NH4NO3, manure and legume trestments, respectively. Earthworms increased
the amounts of extractable NH(4), after 112 days, at the 0-5 cm soil depth, by 1.60-,4.00- and 1.30-fold, in
microcosms that had received the NH4NO3, manure and legume treatments, respectively. Earthworms
significantly reduced the amounts of microbial biomass-N at the 5-15 cm soil depth, and this effect was
greatest in microcosms that had received the NH4NO3, and manure. respiration (112 days) by 1.84-, 1.37-
and 1.24-fold, respectively, in microcosms treated with the fertilizer, manure and legume treatment. These
results indicate earthworms increased the amounts of extractable N by feeding on the microbial biomass,
and increasing the turnover and mineralization of microbial tissues.
40. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Earthworm effects on the use of C sources by microorganisms: non-linear response to temperature
alteration.
Wolters, V.; Ekschmitt, K. Biol-fertil-soils v.19(2/3): p.109-114. (1995 Feb.)
Special Issue: Microbial and faunal biomass in soils. 1.
Descriptors: aporrectodea-caliginosa; soil-flora; biomass-; litter-plant; fagus-sylvatica; air-temperature;
carbon-; mineralization-; forest-soils; calcareous-soils; climatic-change
Abstract: A microcosm was used to study the effect of a the endogeic earthworm Aporrectodeo caliginosa
(Savigny) on the use of C by microorganisms in a calcareous beech forest soil and its dependence on
temperature (5-25 degrees C). Inclusion of 14C-labelled beech leaf litter made it possible to differentiate
between C use by litter-colonizing microflora and by autochthonous soil microflora. The effect of
temperature on the soil microbial biomass 12C was confined to a significant increase at 15 and 20 degrees
C. The size of the 14C-labelled microbial biomass, in contrast, was positively correlated with temperature.
The 12C mineralization increased exponentially with temperature. The relationship between 14C
mineralization and temperature, in contrast, followed a logistic curve. Significant main effects of A.
caliginosa were confined to 12C mineralization, reflecting an increase in 12CO2-C production in the
earthworm treatments. The earthworm effects on 12CO2-C production and on 14C incorporation of the
microflora were not linear. The effect of A. caliginosa on 12CO2-C production was most pronounced at
intermediate temperatures. It is concluded that temperature alterations affect the microbial use of different
C sources in different ways and that the temperature effects can be significantly modified by endogeic
earthworms.
41. NAL Call No.: QL388.7.B35--1994
Earthworm identifier.
Baker, G.; Baker, V. 24 : ill.p. (CSIRO, [Melbourne?] , 1994)
Includes bibliographical references (p. 24).
Descriptors: Earthworms-Australia; Earthworms-Australia-Identification; Earthworms-Anatomy;
Earthworms-Australia-Geographical-distribution
42. NAL Call No.: 56.9-So3
Earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus and Aporrectodea caliginosa) effects on carbon flux in soil.
Zhang, Q. L.; Hendrix, P. F. Soil-Sci-Soc-Am-j. [Madison, Wis.] Soil Science Society of America v.59
(3)p.816-823 (1995 May-1995 June)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricus-rubellus; aporrectodea-caliginosa; soil-flora; interactions-;
biological-activity-in-soil; litter-plant; soil-organic-matter; decomposition-; carbon-; mineralization-;
immobilization-; movement-in-soil; carbon-cycle; epigeic-earthworms; endogeic-earthworms
Abstract: Effects of earthworm activities on litter and soil C flux were studied in a laboratory incubation
experiment using two types of isotopic tracers and two earthworms with different ecological
strategies-Lumbricus rubellus, an epigeic species, and Aporrectodea caliginosa, an endogeic species. The
soil was prelabeled with 14C. Dry sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] leaves labeled with 13C were
applied to the soil surface. Activity of both earthworm species significantly (P < 0.001) enhanced total C
efflux (479 +/- 8 [standard error], 483 +/- 4, and 395 +/- 5 mg C jar(-1) for L. rubellus, A. caliginosa, and
the control, respectively) and significantly (P < 0.05) reduced total surface soil microbial biomass (251.7,
205.2, and 312.1 mg C kg(-1) soil for L. rubellus, A. caliginosa, and the control, respectively) during the
30-d incubation. Activity of A. caliginosa also reduced subsurface soil microbial biomass. The epigeic
earthworms assimilated significantly more 13C from the litter and significantly less 14C from the soil than
the endogeic species. In the absence of earthworms, 14C in the soil was translocated into the surface liner,
as shown by a 15.5-fold increase in 14C enrichment in the surface litter by the end of the experiment. This
translocation of soil C into the litter was significantly reduced by earthworm activities (155.43, 121.11,
and 240.58 kBq kg(-1) litter for L. rubellus, A. caliginosa, and the control, respectively), possibly due to
disruption by earthworms of fungal-hyphal connections between litter and soil. These interactions between
earthworms and soil microbial processes have important implications for soil C turnover.
43. NAL Call No.: TD365.C54-1995
Earthworm macropores and preferential transport as influenced by management.
Gupta, S. C.; Bhattacharjee, A.; Schumacher, T. W.; Allaire, S.; Munyankusi, E.; Moncrief, J. F.; Berry, E.
C.; Nieber, J. L. Clean water, clean environment, 21st century team agriculture, working to protect water
resources conference proceedings, March 5-8, 1995, Kansas City, Missouri /. St. Joseph, Mich. : ASAE
v.3p.117-120 (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: earthworm-channels; macropores-; macropore-flow; porosity-; liquid-manures; cattle-manure;
application-to-land; no-tillage-; chiselling-; lumbricus-terrestris; lumbricus-rubellus; aporrectodea-;
minnesota-; aporrectodea-tuberculata; macroporosity-
44. NAL Call No.: QH540.J6
Earthworm macropores and preferential transport in a long-term manure applied typic hapludalf.
Munyankusi, E.; Gupta, S. C.; Moncrief, J. F.; Berry, E. C. J-environ-qual v.23(4): p.773-784. (1994
July-1994 Aug.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: dairy-effluent; inorganic-compounds; fertilizers-; application-to-land; earthworms-;
macropores-; pore-size; spatial-distribution; soil-depth; soil-water-movement; hapludalfs-; minnesota-
Abstract: Deep burrowing earthworm species have been found to be present in soils with a history of
manure application. This study was designed to quantify the effects of long-term application of liquid
dairy manure and inorganic fertilizer on the distribution of earthworm macropores and in turn on the
preferential transport of water and tracer through a typical soil of the karst area of the upper mid-western
USA. Large (approximately 30 cm diam. by 90 cm long) undisturbed soil columns were taken from plots
where liquid dairy manure or inorganic fertilizers had been applied continuously for 8 yr. The number and
size distribution of macropores in soil columns were nearly the same for both inorganic and manure
treatments, however, visible surface macropores were continuous to much deeper depth in soil columns
taken from manure than from the inorganic fertilizer plot. Identification of the earthworms a year later
showed the presence of Apporectodea tuberrulata, A. trapezoides, and Lumbricus rubellus, subsurface
burrowers, as well as, L. terristris, a deeper burrowing species in the manure applied plot. Apporectodea
tuberculata was the only species present in the inorganic fertilizer plot. Number of macropores and
macroporosity varied with soil depth. The maximum macroporosity was < 2.5% and it occurred at 2-cm
depth. The predominant macropore sizes were between 1- and 2-mm radii for both treatments. During
breakthrough experiments, Cl- appeared earlier in soil columns taken from the manure plot thereby
indicating a greater continuity of macropores in the manure compared with the inorganic fertilizer
treatment. The early appearance of Cl- in the manure treatment, however, was much. the intrusive serial
sectioning and image analysis techniques probably overestimate the continuity of macropores possibly due
to vacuuming of the earthworm casts and other debris that plugs the macropores channels. Based on
macropores size distribution with depth and related breakthrough curves, it is likely that most existing
models of water and contaminant transport that simulate macropore flow, will not accurately predict the
transport of water and contaminant because of their assumption that surface visible macropores are
continuous to deeper soil depths. Data from this study showed that macropore size distribution could be
described by a normal or log-normal distribution function. These functions in combination with
information on continuity and tortuosity of macropores may be sufficient, when used in some current
macropores models, to adequately describe the conducting efficiency of macropores in soils.
45. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
The earthworm population of a winter cereal field and its effects on soil and nitrogen turnover.
Curry, J. P.; Byrne, D.; Boyle, K. E. Biol-fertil-soils v.19(2/3): p.166-172. (1995 Feb.)
Special Issue: Microbial and faunal biomass in soils. 1.
Descriptors: earthworms-; population-density; nitrogen-cycle; biomass-production; worm-casts; tillage-;
rotations-; cattle-slurry; arable-land; biological- activity-in-soil; northern-ireland
Abstract: The earthworm population in a winter cereal field in Ireland was studied over a 3-year-period
and its effects on soil and N turnover were assessed. The mean annual population density was 346-471
individuals m-2 and the mean biomass was 56.9-61.2 g m-2. Twelve species were recorded, the most
abundant being Allolobophora chlorotica followed by Aporrectodea caliginosa. Relative cast production
(mg dry soil egested g-1 fresh mass day-1) in the laboratory ranged from 362 mg at 5 degrees C to 2353
mg at 15 degrees C in the case of Aporrectodea caliginosa, and 242 mg at 5 degrees C to 713 mg at 10
degrees C in the case of juvenile Lumbricus terrestris. Gut contents (dry mass of soil) comprised
6.7-15.5% of the A. caliginosa live mass, and 9.7-14.7% of the Lumbricus terrestris mass. Annual soil
egestion by the field population was estimated as 18-22 kg m-2. Tissue production ranged from 81.7 to
218.5 g m-2, while N turnover resulting from mortality was calculated as 1.5-3.9 g m-2 depending on the
year and the method of calculation. Earthworms were estimated to contribute an additional 3.4-4.1 g
mineral N to the soil through excretion, mucus production, and soil ingestion. Independent estimates of N
output via mucus and excretion derived from 15N laboratory studies with Lumbricus terrestris were
2.9-3.6 g m-2 year-1.
46. NAL Call No.: SF597.E3G99--1994
Earthworms : a full circle.
Guy, C. 56, [16] p. of plates : ill.p. (C. Guy, Heathcote, Vic., Australia : , [1994])
"February 1994"--T.p. verso.
Descriptors: Earthworm-culture; Earthworms-; Earthworm-culture-Economic-aspects
47. NAL Call No.: TD172.C54
Earthworms and assessment of ecological impact of soil xenobiotics.
Viswanathan, R. Chemosphere v.28(2): p.413-420. (1994 Jan.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: earthworms-; pollutants-; organic-compounds; metabolism-; mineralization-; polluted-soils;
soil-pollution
48. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.S6315-1994
Earthworms and other fauna in the soil.
Berry, E. C. Soil biology effects on soil quality /. Boca Raton : Lewis Publishers p.61-90 (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: earthworms-; soil-arthropods; animal-burrows; habitats-; population-density; soil-properties;
residues-; decomposition-; research-needs
49. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E52
Earthworms and radionuclides, with experimental investigations on the uptake and exchangeability of
radiocaesium.
Brown, S. L.; Bell, J. N. B. Environ-pollut v.88(1): p.27-39. (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: aporrectodea-longa; cesium-; radionuclides-; uptake-; bioavailability-; spatial-distribution;
biological-activity-in-soil; soil-; litter-plant
50. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Earthworms disseminate a soil-borne plant pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. raphani.
Toyota, K.; Kimura, M. Biol-fertil-soils v.18(1): p.32-36. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: earthworms-; pheretima-; fusarium-oxysporum; plant-pathogenic-fungi; dispersal-;
fungal-spores; survival-; digestive-system; worm-casts; propagules-
51. NAL Call No.: SF597.E3B76--1994
Earthworms unlimited : backyard earthworm breeding.
Brown, A. 80p. (Kangaroo Press, Dural Delivery Centre, NSW , 1994)
Includes bibliographical references (p. 77-78) and index.
Descriptors: Earthworm-culture; Earthworms-
52. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Effect of agroforestry woody species on earthworm activity and physicochemical properties of worm casts.
Kang, B. T.; Akinnifesi, F. K.; Pleysier, J. L. Biol-fertil-soils v.18(3): p.193-199. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: woody-plants; gliricidia-; gliricidia-sepium; leucaena-leucocephala; treculia-africana;
earthworms-; biological-activity-in-soil; worm-casts; chemical-composition; physicochemical-properties;
microclimate-; phosphorus-; sorption-; zea-mays; growth-; npk-fertilizers; nutrient-uptake;
dactyladenia-barteri; senna-siamea; hyperiodrilus-africanus
53. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Effect of blood type and placement on earthworm (Aporrectodea tuberculata) burrowing and soil turnover.
Cook, S. M. F.; Linden, D. R. Biol-fertil-soils v.21(3): p.201-206. (1996)
Includes references.
Descriptors: aporrectodea-caliginosa; earthworms-; biological-activity-in-soil; burrowing-; pedoturbation-;
crop-residues; spatial-distribution; food-; sources-; patterns-; macropores-; macropore-flow;
transport-processes; bioturbation-; preferential-transport; burrowing-patterns
Abstract: Subsurface-dwelling Aporrectodea tuberculata a common earthworm in Upper-Midwest (USA)
agricultural fields, may be a significant component of agroecosystems with regard to soil mixing and
preferential transport of water and chemicals. In this study we looked al effects of food residue placement
and food type on A. tuberculata burrowing and soil turnover in two-dimensional Evans box microcosms.
Four food residue placements mimicked patterns induced by primary tillage and two food types, readily
available and natural food sources, with no food as a control. An average earthworm population of 100
earthworms m-2 was calculated to generate 1058 km ha-1 of new burrows and turnover 7.9 Mg ha-1 of
soil in 1 week of activity at 20 degrees C. Burrowing was random until food sources were encountered, at
which time burrowing appeared to center around the food source.
54. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Effect of diet on cast production by the megascolecid earthworm Amynthas alexandri in laboratory culture.
Kaushal, B. R.; Bisht, S. P. S.; Kalia, S. Biol-fertil-soils v.17(1): p.14-17. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: megascolecidae-; earthworms-; diet-; food-consumption; worm-casts; biomass-;
physicochemical-properties
55. NAL Call No.: 443.8-H42
Effect of quantitiy and quality of environmental stress on multilocus heterozygosity-growth relationships in
Eisenia fetida (Annelida: Oligochaeta).
Audo, M. C.; Diehl, W. J. Heredity v.75(pt.1): p.98-105. (1995 July)
Includes references.
Descriptors: eisenia-fetida; heterozygosity-; loci-; alloenzymes-; soil-water; soil-water-regimes;
soil-temperature; stress-; growth-; environmental- factors; enzyme-polymorphism
Abstract: The effects of environmental quantity (moderate soil moisture vs. low soil moisture) and quality
(low soil moisture vs. low temperature) on multilocus heterozygosity (MLH)-growth relationships were
tested in the earthworm Eisenia fetida. The control treatment was high soil moisture and high temperature.
Fresh weight was measured weekly for 4 weeks; MLH was computed for eight polymorphic loci. Moderate
moisture limited growth (change in fresh weight) to 50 per cent of control growth; both low moisture and
low temperature limited growth to 25 per cent of control growth. MLH was not correlated with growth at
any time in the control treatment. MLH was strongly correlated with growth (P < 0.01) in three out of four
weekly intervals in the moderate moisture treatment; MLH was weakly correlated with growth (P < 0.05)
in two out of four weekly intervals in the low moisture treatment. MLH was not correlated with growth at
any time in the low temperature treatment. Moderate soil moisture produced significantly stronger
MLH-growth relationships than high moisture or low temperature. Even though low soil moisture and low
temperature depressed growth to the same extent, the former produced MLH-growth relationships whereas
the latter did not. Thus both environmental quantity and quality affected the existence and recurrence of
MLH-growth relationships.
56. NAL Call No.: S590.C63
Effect of root systems on preferential flow in swelling soil.
Mitchell, A. R.; Ellsworth, T. R.; Meek, B. D. Commun-soil-sci-plant-anal v.26(15/16): p.2655-2666.
(1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: clay-soils; irrigated-soils; transport-processes; macropore-flow; swelling-; shrinkage-;
macropores-; spatial-distribution; medicago-sativa; triticum-turgidum; root-systems; comparisons-; cracks-;
root-channels; earthworm-channels; stability-; preferential-water-flow-paths
Abstract: Permeability problems on irrigated soils may be alleviated by root systems that increase water
flow by creating macropores. Infiltration rates have been shown to increase where plant roots decay and
serve as preferential flow paths. For low-organic-matter swelling soil, there is a question whether
macropores are able to resist the lateral swelling forces of the soil. The objective of this study was to
observe preferential water flow paths in a swelling soil under two cropping systems. A Holtville silty clay
(clayey-over-loamy, montmorillonitic Typic Torrifluvent) was observed in situ. Two crops, alfalfa
(Medicago sativa, L.) and wheat (Triticum turgidum, L.) provided sharply contrasting root systems, with
wheat possessing fine, fibrous roots; alfalfa on the other hand, has a taproot system. Macropores were
observed after applying soil- adsorbing methylene blue dye to irrigation water. Shrinkage cracks failed to
conduct dye after 10 minutes into a flood irrigation. Earthworm (Lubricus terrestris) channels were also
not stable. However, decaying roots of alfalfa produced stable macropores, while wheat produced no such
macropores. The influence of alfalfa-root-induced macropores was demonstrated by the increase in final
infiltration rate during alfalfa cropping which agreed with Meek et al.'s (1989, 1990) findings on sandy
loam soils.
57. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E52
Effects of cadmium, copper, lead and zine on growth, reproduction and survival of the earthworm Eisenia
fetida (Savigny): assessing the environmental impact of point-source metal contamination in terrestrial
ecosystems.
Spurgeon, D. J.; Hopkin, S. P.; Jones, D. T. Environ-pollut v.84(2): p.123-130. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: eisenia-fetida; polluted-soils; heavy-metals; cadmium-; copper-; lead-; zinc-; growth-;
reproduction-; survival-; mortality-; environmental- impact; nontarget-effects; adverse-effects; cocoons-;
viability-; nontarget-organisms; cocoon-production
58. NAL Call No.: QP33.J681
Effects of dehydration on water relations and survival of lumbricid earthworm egg capsules.
Holmstrup, M.; Westh, P. J-comp-physiol,-B-Biochem-syst-environ-physiol v.165(5): p.377-383. (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricidae-; cocoons-; dehydration-physiological; osmotic-pressure; water-content;
water-balance; drought-resistance; species- differences; osmotically-active-water;
osmotically-inactive-water
Abstract: Earthworm egg capsules-of five species were compared with regard to survival and water
relations upon exposure to controlled dehydration at 20 degrees C. Cocoons of the investigated species all
contained about 3.5 g.water g-1 dry weight when fully hydrated. Approximately 18% of this does not
readily freeze upon cooling to -40 degrees C and is referred to as osmotically inactive water. Cocoons
exposed to desiccation lose a large proportion of the osmotically active water over 1-4 days until water in
the cocoon fluids has equilibrated with surrounding water vapour. The amount of osmotically inactive
water, on the other hand, is only reduced by 10-20%. Dendrobaena octaedra was the species most tolerant
to drought, its tolerance limit coinciding with loss of practically all osmotically active water. For the five
species investigated, there seemed not to be any clear correlation between drought tolerance and
microhabitat. Previous investigations have suggested a very close relation between tolerance to
dehydration and to subzero temperatures in overwintering earthworm cocoons. Survival at a given level of
dehydration at room temperature is less than at temperatures below 0 degrees C, and the tolerance of room
temperature dehydration is not closely correlated with cold hardiness across the range of the species
studied.
59. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E58
The effects of dieldrin on the sperm ultrastructure of the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (Oligochaeta).
Reinecke, S. A.; Reinecke, A. J.; Froneman, M. L. Environ-toxicol-chem v.14(6): p.961-965. (1995 June)
Includes references.
Descriptors: dieldrin-; toxicity-; sublethal-effects; oligochaeta-; spermatozoa-; ultrastructure-;
nontarget-effects; nontarget-organisms
Abstract: Earthworms of the species Eudrilus eugeniae were exposed to dieldrin, using the contact filter
paper method, to study the sublethal effects of the pesticide, which is still widely used in many parts of
Africa, on the ultrastructure of spermatozoa. The concentrations ranged from 0.154 to 1.54
microgram/cm2 and exposures lasted 48 h. The spermathecae were dissected out and prepared for electron
microscopy. Dieldrin was extracted from the worms by steam distillation and analysed by ECD-gas
chromatography. A description of the sperm ultrastructure is presented. This study showed that dieldrin at
relatively low concentrations caused structural damage, especially to the nucleus of the sperm. It is argued
that this finding could contribute toward the development of a model for predicting environmental quality,
based on sperm morphology, sperm motility, and sperm density. The sublethal effects of dieldrin on sperm
morphology could provide a subanimal test for ecotoxicity since its effects will most probably be
manifested at the population level.
60. NAL Call No.: 56.8-So3
The effects of direct drilling and stubble retention on water and bromide movement and earthworm species
in a duplex soil.
Carter, M. R.; Mele, P. M.; Steed, G. R. Soil-sci v.157(4): p.224-231. (1994 Apr.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: duplex-soils; conservation-tillage; drilling-; tillage-; soil-pore-system; macropore-flow;
infiltration-; earthworms-; oligochaeta-; populations-; population-dynamics; species-diversity; australia-;
conventional-versus-conservation-tillage; preferential-flow
61. NAL Call No.: QL391.N4J62
Effects of earthworms on the dispersal of Steinernema spp.
Shapiro, D. I.; Tylka, G. L.; Berry, E. C.; Lewis, L. C. J-nematol v.27(1): p.21-28. (1995 Mar.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: steinernema-; neoaplectana-feltiae; neoaplectana-glaseri; lumbricus-terrestris; dispersal-;
earthworm-channels; spatial-distribution; species- differences; entomophilic-nematodes; soil-biology;
biological-control-agents; steinernema-carpocapsae
Abstract: Previous studies indicated that dispersal of S. carpocapsae may be enhanced in soil with
earthworms. The objective of this research was to determine and compare the effects of earthworms on
dispersal of other Steinernema spp. Vertical dispersal of Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae, and S. glaseri
was tested in soil columns in the presence and absence of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris). Dispersal was
evaluated by a bioassay and by direct extraction of nematodes from soil. Upward dispersal of S.
carpocapsae and S. feltiae increased in the presence of earthworms, whereas upward dispersal of S. glaseri
was not affected by earthworms. No significant differences were detected in downward dispersal of S.
carpocapsae and S. feltiae in soil with earthworms compared to soil without earthworms. Downward
dispersal of S. glaseri, however, was greater in soil without earthworms relative to soil with earthworms.
In soil void of earthworms, dispersal of S. glaseri was greatest followed by dispersal of S. carpocapsae.
The presence of earthworm burrows in soil did not influence nematode dispersal. Nematodes were
recovered from the surface, interior, and casts of earthworms. Therefore, nematodes may have a phoretic
association with earthworms.
62. NAL Call No.: 410-Ec7
Effects of invasion of an aspen forest (Canada) by Dendrobaena octaedra (Lumbricidae) on plant growth.
Scheu, S.; Parkinson, D. Ecology v.75(8): p.2348-2361. (1994 Dec.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: dendrobaena-; invasion-; forest-soils; populus-; forests-; elymus-trachycaulus; growth-;
biomass-production; shoots-; roots-; root-shoot- ratio; nutrients-; mineralization-; soil-flora; respiration-;
ammonium-nitrogen; nitrate-nitrogen; phosphates-; soil-water-regimes; exposure-; duration-;
phosphate-phosphorus
63. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Effects of lumbricids and enchytraeids on nematodes in limed and unlimed coniferous mor humus.
Hyvonen, R.; Andersson, S.; Clarholm, M.; Persson, T. Biol-fertil-soils v.17(3): p.201-205. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: enchytraeidae-; lumbricidae-; free-living-nematodes; mor-; liming-
64. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Effects of pasture improvement and intensive cultivation on microbial biomass, enzyme activities, and
composition and size of earthworm populations.
Fraser, P. M.; Haynes, R. J.; Williams, P. H. Biol-fertil-soils v.17(3): p.185-190. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: pastures-; superphosphate-; application-rates; microorganisms-; biomass-; enzyme-activity;
earthworms-; new-zealand
65. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Efficacy of methods for manipulating earthworm populations in large-scale field experiments in
agroecosystems.
Bohlen, P. J.; Parmelee, R. W.; Blair, J. M.; Edwards, C. A.; Stinner, B. R. Soil-biol-biochem v.27(8):
p.993-999. (1995 Aug.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: oligochaeta-; earthworms-; populations-; population-change; field-experimentation; cycling-;
biological-activity-in-soil; soil-analysis; analytical-methods; efficacy-; zea-mays; agricultural-soils; ohio-
Abstract: We established a long-term field experiment in 1991 to investigate the influence of earthworms
on C and N cycling processes in agroecosystems. In a replicated field experiment we decreased earthworm
populations using electroshocking, increased them by adding field- collected worms or left them
unmanipulated. Population manipulations and sampling were done twice per year in 20 m2 field enclosures
that were made from sheets of PVC buried 45 cm deep and extending 15 cm above the soil surface. The
experiment was established in maize (Zea mays) agroecosystems in which N was provided in the form of
NH4NO3-N, cow-manure-N or legume-cover-crop-N. The two dominant earthworm species at the site
were Lumbricus terrestris and Aporrectodea tuberculata. Electroshocking was effective at reducing
earthworm populations to about 25% of their natural abundance. In the autumn of 1993, electroshocked
enclosures had 75% fewer earthworms and 65% less earthworm biomass than plots with unmodified
populations. Electroshocking was equally effective at reducing populations of all earthworm species and
did not alter the relative species abundance. The addition of field-collected worms was not as effective at
increasing earthworm populations as electroshocking was at reducing populations. Enclosures with added
earthworms had 1.17-fold more earthworms and 2.18-fold greater earthworm biomass than control
enclosures. The biomass of L. terrestris was significantly greater in enclosures with increased earthworm
populations than in enclosures with reduced or unmodified populations; the biomass of A. tuberculata was
not increased. Total earthworm biomass at the site declined from nearly 90 g m-2 in the. summers of 1991
and 1993 and a period of excessive rain in the summer of 1992; and (2) the conversion of the field from
perennial alfalfa (Medicago sativa) to cultivated maize. The manipulation of earthworm populations in
large-scale, replicated field experiments provides a unique and successful approach for investigating the
effects of earthworms on soil structure and nutrient cycling processes.
66. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Enhanced root nodulation of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) by Rhizobium leguminosarum
biovar trifolii in the presence of the earthworm Apporrectodea trapezoides (Lumbricidae).
Doube, B. M.; Ryder, M. H.; Davoren, C. W.; Stephens, P. M. Biol-fertil-soils v.18(3): p.169-174. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: trifolium-subterraneum; seedlings-; rhizobium-leguminosarum; nodulation-; root-nodules;
spatial-distribution; aporrectodea-caliginosa; dispersal-; sheep-dung; growth-; foliar-diagnosis; leaves-;
nitrogen-content
67. NAL Call No.: TD172.C54
Environmental fate and effects of DEEDMAC: a new rapidly biodegradable cationoic surfactant for use in
fabric softeners.
Giolando, S. T.; Rapaport, R. A.; Larson, R. J.; Federle, T. W. Chemosphere v.30(6): p.1067-1083. (1995
Mar.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: surfactants-; microbial-degradation; soil-flora; toxicity-; bioassays-; eisenia-fetida; algae-;
avena-sativa; lactuca-sativa; waste-water- treatment; biological-treatment; seleastrum-capricornutum
68. NAL Call No.: TD172.C54
Experimental accumulation of lead from soil through earthworms to common shrews.
Pankakoski, E.; Koivisto, I.; Hyvarinen, H.; Terhivuo, J.; Tahka, K. M. Chemosphere v.29(8):
p.1639-1649. (1994 Oct.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lead-; polluted-soils; earthworms-; lumbricidae-; sorex-araneus; trophic-levels; food-chains;
toxicity-
69. NAL Call No.: SB998.E4E76--1995
The farmer's earthworm handbook : managing your underground money-makers. 1st ed.
Ernst, D. 1. 112p. (Lessiter Publications, Brookfield, Wisconsin , 1995)
Descriptors: Zoology,-Economic; Tillage-; Earthworms-
70. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Field evidence for reduced severity of Rhizoctonia bare-patch disease of wheat, due to the presence of the
earthworms Aporrectodea rosea and Aporrectodea trapezoides.
Stephens, P. M.; Davoren, C. W.; Ryder, M. H.; Doube, B. M.; Correll, R. L. Soil-biol-biochem v.26(11):
p.1495-1500. (1994 Nov.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: triticum-; rhizoctonia-solani; fungal-diseases; aporrectodea-; aporrectodea-caliginosa;
earthworms-; plant-disease-control; biological- control; biological-control-agents; red-brown-earths;
calcareous-soils; sandy-loam-soils; field-experimentation; suppressive-soils; south- australia;
disease-severity
Abstract: A study demonstrated the ability of the earthworms Aporrectodea rosea and Aporrectodea
trapezoides (added at an equivalent density of 100 or 300 m-2) to reduce the disease severity of
Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn on wheat in the field. In a calcareous sandy loam artificially infested with R.
solani, the addition of these earthworms caused a significant (P = 0.02) reduction of the Rhizoctonia root
disease rating and had a significant (P = 0.01) positive effect on shoot weight. Neither earthworm number
or earthworm species had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on root disease rating or shoot weight. In a
red-brown earth soil artificially infested with R. solani, neither the presence of these earthworms,
earthworm species nor earthworm number influenced root disease rating. However, under these conditions
the addition of earthworms (P = 0.01) had a significant positive effect upon shoot weight. To our
knowledge these results demonstrate for the first time, the potential of earthworms to contribute to the
disease suppression of a cropping soil in a field situation.
71. NAL Call No.: S544.3.N7A4
Getting the lowdown on worms.
Comis, D.; Becker, H. Agfocus p.13. (1995 Nov.)
Descriptors: earthworms-; tilth-
72. NAL Call No.: 442.8-B5236
The GGNG peptides: novel myoactive peptides isolated from the gut and the whole body of the
earthworms.
Oumi, T.; Ukena, K.; Matsushima, O.; Ikeda, T.; Fujita, T.; Minakata, H.; Nomoto, K.
Biochem-biophys-res-commun v.216(3): p.1072-1078. (1995 Nov.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: eisenia-fetida; pheretima-; crop-; gizzard-; intestines-; peptides-; amino-acid-sequences;
synthetic-peptides; intestinal-motility; stimulation-; pheretima-vittata; molecular-sequence-data
Abstract: Three novel bioactive peptides, which were structurally related to each other, were purified and
chemically identified from two species of the earthworms, Eisenia foetida and Pheretima vittata. One
peptide was isolated from the gut tissue of E. foetida, and the other two were purified from the whole body
of E. foetida and P. vittata, respectively. These peptides consisted of 17 or 18 amino acid residues and were
named GGNG peptides after their unique, common structure of the C-termini. These GGNG peptides
augmented both tension and frequency of spontaneous contractions of isolated gut preparations of E.
foetida, and also elicited contractions of other annelidan tissues such as the polychaete esophagus and the
leech vagina. However, they showed no activity on molluscan or arthropodan tissues, suggesting that
GGNG peptides may be peculiar to annelids. No peptides homologous to GGNG peptides have been
known so far in any living organisms.
73. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Glyphosate, 2,4-DB and dimethoate: effects on earthworm survival and growth.
Dalby, P. R.; Baker, G. H.; Smith, S. E. Soil-biol-biochem v.27(12): p.1661-1662. (1995 Dec.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: aporrectodea-caliginosa; aporrectodea-longa; aporrectodea-; growth-; survival-; glyphosate-;
2,4-db-; dimethoate-; adverse-effects; aporrectodea-rosea
74. NAL Call No.: 470-C16D
Habitat-abundance relationships of the earthworm Eisenia rosea (Savigny) (Lumbricidae), using principal
component regression analysis.
Liang, Q.; Thomson, A. J. Can-j-zool v.72(7): p.1354-1361. (1994 July)
Includes references.
Descriptors: eisenia-; habitats-; site-factors; population-density; spatial-distribution; soil-water-content;
soil-density; bulk-density; regression-analysis; ontario-
75. NAL Call No.: RA1270.P35A1
Heavy metal concentrations in earthworms following long-term nutrient enrichment.
Brewer, S. R.; Barrett, G. W. Bull-environ-contam-toxicol v.54(1): p.120-127. (1995 Jan.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: earthworms-; old-field-soils; heavy-metals; cadmium-; copper-; zinc-; lead-; sewage-sludge;
fertilizers-; municipal-sewage-sludge
76. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
The heterogeneity of humus profiles and earthworm communities in a virgin beech forest.
Ponge, J. F.; Delhaye, L. Biol-fertil-soils v.20(1): p.24-32. (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: humus-horizons; earthworms-; species-diversity; spatial-distribution; canopy-; coverage-;
canopy-gaps; soil-types; geomorphology-; fagus- sylvatica; forests-; france-; species-richness; forest-cycle
Abstract: Thirty sites, encompassing a range of soil and vegetation conditions in the biological reserve of
La Tillaie (Fontainebleau Forest, France) were investigated in April 1992. Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) was
the dominant tree species, with several developmental phases forming the forest patchwork. Sessile oak
[Quercus petraea (Mattus.) Liebl.] was present but only as old relictual individuals. Gaps in the canopy
cover were abundant, mostly caused by wind storms 2 years previously. The next most recent storm was
25 years before, resulting in distinct patches of full-grown trees. Humus profiles were classified and
compared with the distribution of earthworm communities, canopy cover, and soil types. Geomorphology
was responsible for the main part of the observed variation. Absence of lime in the substrate and direct
contact with a sandstone stratum near the ground surface was associated with the absence of earthworms
and the appearance of an OH horizon (moder humus). Elsewhere, earthworms were present and humus
profiles did not display any OH horizon (mull or mull-like moder humus), but species composition was
variable and strongly influenced by the thickness of the superficial sand deposit overlying limestone. On a
thick (1 m or more) sandy substrate earthworm communities were dominated by epigeic species together
with the anecic Lumbricus terrestris L. The species richness was higher on a shallower sandy substrate (50
cm) where lime was more accessible to tree roots and burrowing animals. The influence of the forest cycle
of beech was visible in the latter case (covering most of the area), with an increase in the thickness of the
OL and OF horizons and a decrease in endogeic earthworm populations during. mature stands as early as
2 years after the fall of the trees.
77. NAL Call No.: 57.8-C734
Historical overview of vermicomposting.
Edwards, C. A. Biocycle v.36(6): p.56-58. (1995 June)
Includes references.
Descriptors: vermicomposting-; organic-wastes; waste-utilization; earthworms-
78. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Humus form dynamics during the sylvogenetic cycle in a mountain spruce forest.
Bernier, N.; Ponge, J. F. Soil-biol-biochem v.26(2): p.183-220. (1994 Feb.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: picea-abies; vaccinium-myrtillus; erica-; forest-soils; ecosystems-; mull-; moder-;
transformation-; organomineral-complexes; soil- variability; biological-activity-in-soil; earthworms-;
community-ecology; site-factors; vegetation-; regeneration-; profiles-; plant-competition; france-;
humus-profiles; forest-ecosystems
Abstract: The humus forms during the life cycle of a spruce forest are described. A significant change in
humus form may be attributed to plant and soil fauna changes. This phenomenon is considered to be
fundamental for the renewal of the forest ecosystem. Forest dynamics is perceived as a biphasic cycle, (i)
the tree growth phase with a shift from mull towards moder humus form, as a consequence of a decline in
earthworm populations and (ii) a humus form improvement from moder towards earthworm mull humus,
during the second half of the life of spruce trees. This results from a succession of earthworm species. The
particular role of anecic species during the second phase has been highlighted, where they allow endogenic
earthworm species and young spruce seedlings to install themselves in the regeneration site, the fall of
parent trees not being considered as the chief factor governing humus changes. The life cycle of the spruce
ecosystem can nevertheless be impaired by the development of a bilberry heath, with a mor humus form
which is detrimental to the germination and growth of spruce seedlings. Earthworm populations of anecic
and endogenic species are present in this case but without any burrowing activity.
79. NAL Call No.: 292.8-J82
Hydrological and environmental impact of earthworm depletion by the New Zealand flatworm
(Artioposthia triangulata).
Haria, A. H. J-hydrol v.171(1/2): p.1-3. (1995 Sept.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: tricladida-; introduced-species; predation-; earthworms-; environmental-impact;
hydrological-factors; uk-
Abstract: The predation of earthworms by the New Zealand flatworm is an environmental threat that may
have consequences beyond the scope of merely reducing earthworm populations in the UK. The role of
earthworms in developing soil structure is substantial and the effect of structural degradation on
hydrological processes, following earthworm eradication, may therefore be major, with a resulting increase
in flood risk from river systems and decrease in agricultural productivity of economic concern.
80. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Impact of pasture contamination by copper, chromium, arsenic timber preservative of soil biological
activity.
Yeates, G. W.; Orchard, V. A.; Speir, T. W.; Hunt, J. L.; Hermans, M. C. C. Biol-fertil-soils v.18(3):
p.200-208. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: grassland-soils; contamination-; copper-; chromium-; arsenic-; wood-preservatives;
polluted-soils; soil-depth; biological-activity-in-soil; lumbricus-rubellus; aporrectodea-; enchytraeidae-;
free-living-nematodes; population-density; species-diversity; respiration-; nitrate-nitrogen;
sulfuric-ester-hydrolases; enzyme-activity; soil-pollution; apporectodea-rosea
81. NAL Call No.: 80-Ac82
Impact of the soil disinfectant basamid granular on terrestrial non-target organisms.
Ufer, A.; Dohmen, G. P.; Fritsch, H. J. Acta-hortic (382): p.110-118. (1995 Feb.)
Paper presented at the Fourth International Symposium on Soil and Substrate Infestation and
Disinfestation, September 6-12, 1993, Leuven, Belgium.
Descriptors: dazomet-; soil-fumigation; nontarget-organisms; coleoptera-; araneae-; collembola-;
earthworms-; colonization-; nontarget-effects; species- diversity; germany-; recolonization-;
species-abundance
82. NAL Call No.: 448.8-C162
In situ analysis of the bacterial community in the gut of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. by
whole-cell hybridization.
Fischer, K.; Hahn, D.; Amann, R. I.; Daniel, O.; Zeyer, J. Can-j-microbiol v.41(8): p.666-673. (1995 Aug.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricus-terrestris; intestinal-microorganisms; bacteria-; biochemical-techniques;
rna-probes; ribosomal-rna; labeling-; fluorescent-dyes; digoxigenin-; oligonucleotide-probes
83. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Influence of barley straw and the lumbricid earthworm Aporrectodea trapezoides on Rhizobium meliloti
L5-30R, Pseudomonas corrugata 2140R, microbial biomass and microbial activity in a red-brown earth
soil.
Stephens, P. M.; Davoren, C. W.; Hawke, B. G. Soil-biol-biochem v.27(11): p.1489-1497. (1995 Nov.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: rhizobium-meliloti; pseudomonas-corrugata; soil-bacteria; populations-;
aporrectodea-caliginosa; barley-straw; interactions-; persistence-; microbial-activities; biomass-; carbon-;
respiration-; population-density; electrical-conductivity; microbial-respiration
Abstract: In greenhouse experiments, the ability of barley straw and the earthworm Aporrectodea
trapezoides to influence the persistence of Pseudomonas corrugata 2140R and Rhizobium meliloti
L5-30R, previously inoculated separately into soil, was examined. The addition of barley straw (0.62%
w/w), significantly increased the numbers of both introduced bacteria ca. 1000- to 3000-fold after 29 d
incubation and cat 25-to 100-fold after 63 d incubation in soil. In the absence of barley straw, there was a
significant positive linear relationship between the number of A. trapezoides (at densities equivalent to 0,
105, 315 or 525 m-2) and the numbers of both introduced bacteria after 29 d, but not after 63 d incubation.
In contrast, in the presence of barley straw, there was a significant negative linear relationship between the
number of A. trapezoides and the numbers of both introduced bacteria after 29 and 63 d incubation. By
combining data from both sampling times, there was a significant linear relationship between the
persistence of both introduced bacteria and changes in microbial biomass only in the presence of added
barley straw. This would suggest that A. trapezoides had a selective effect upon the persistence of both
introduced bacteria in the absence of barley straw, which was not manifest upon the whole microbial
community.
84. NAL Call No.: 448.3-Ap5
Influence of earthworm activity on gene transfer from Pseudomonas fluorescens to indigenous soil
bacteria.
Daane, L. L.; Molina, J. A. E.; Berry, E. C.; Sadowsky, M. J. Appl-environ-microbiol v.62(2): p.515-521.
(1996 Feb.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: pseudomonas-fluorescens; plasmids-; recombinant-dna; genetic-transformation; soil-bacteria;
pseudomonas-; xanthomonas-; pasteurella-; acinetobacter-; gene-transfer; aporrectodea-caliginosa;
lumbricus-terrestris; lumbricus-rubellus; biological-activity-in-soil; bacterial-conjugation;
genetically-engineered-microorganisms; acidovorax-
Abstract: We have developed a model system to assess the influence of earthworm activity on the transfer
of plasmid pJP4 from an inoculated donor bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens C5t (pJP4), to indigenous
soil microorganisms. Three different earthworm species (Lumbricus terrestris, Lumbricus rubellus, and
Aporrectodea trapezoides), each with unique burrowing, casting, and feeding behaviors, were evaluated.
Soil columns were inoculated on the surface with 108 cells per g of soil of the donor bacterium, and after a
2-week incubation period, donor, transconjugant, and total bacteria were enumerated at 5-cm-depth
intervals. Transconjugants were confirmed by use of colony hybridization with a mer gene probe. In situ
gene transfer of plasmid pJP4 from P. fluorescens C5t to indigenous soil bacteria was detected in all
inoculated microcosms. In the absence of earthworms, the depth of recovery was limited to the top 5 cm of
the column, with approximately 10(3) transconjugants per g of soil. However, the total number of
transconjugants recovered from soil was significantly greater in microcosms containing either L. rubellus
or A. trapezoides, with levels reaching about 10(5) CFU/g of soil. In addition, earthworms distributed
donor and transconjugant bacteria throughout the microcosm columns, with the depth of recovery
dependent on the burrowing behavior of each earthworm species. Donor and transconjugant bacteria were
also recovered from earthworm casts and inside developing cocoons. Transconjugant bacteria from the
indigenous soil microflora were classified as belonging to Acidovorax spp., Acinetobacter spp.,
Agrobacterium spp., Pasteurella spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Xanthomonas spp.
85. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Influence of the earthworm Aporrectodea trapezoides (Lumbricidae) on the colonization of alfalfa
(Medicago sativa L.) roots by Rhizobium meliloti L5-30R and the survival of R. meliloti L5-30R in soil.
Stephens, P. M.; Davoren, C. W.; Ryder, M. H.; Doube, B. M. Biol-fertil-soils v.18(1): p.63-70. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: medicago-sativa; rhizobium-meliloti; inoculation-methods; nodulation-; crop-establishment;
survival-; aporrectodea-caliginosa; earthworms-; soil-depth; spatial-distribution; microscolex-dubius
86. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Influence of the earthworms Aporrectodea rosea and Aporrectodea trapezoides on Rhizoctonia solani
disease of wheat seedlings and the interaction with a surface mulch of cereal-pea straw.
Stephens, P. M.; Davoren, C. W.; Ryder, M. H.; Doube, B. M. Soil-biol-biochem v.26(9): p.1285-1287.
(1994 Sept.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: triticum-aestivum; seedlings-; rhizoctonia-solani; root-rots; aporrectodea-; species-;
straw-mulches; surface-treatment; interactions-
87. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Interaction of a genetically modified Pseudomonas fluorescens with the soil-feeding earthworm Octolasion
cyaneum (Lumbricidae).
Clegg, C. D.; Anderson, J. M.; Lappin Scott, H. M.; Elsas, J. D. v.; Jolly, J. M. Soil-biol-biochem v.27(11):
p.1423-1429. (1995 Nov.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: octolasion-cyaneum; pseudomonas-fluorescens; genetic-engineering; introduced-species;
interactions-; survival-; digestive-tract; worm- casts; soil-; population-dynamics
Abstract: The geophagous earthworm Octolasion cyaneum was maintained in microcosms for up to 14 d
in the presence of a genetically-modified microorganism (GEMMO). Pseudomonas fluorescens KTG. The
GEMMO contained a marker cassette, which was inserted into the chromosome, consisting of the genes
coding for kanamycin and gentamycin resistance and also a cryIVB sequence. Plate counts of P.
fluorescens KTG were higher in the burrow wall on day 2, and lower on days 7 and 14 than those in the
unworked bulk soil. Numbers of P. fluorescens KTG were consistently significantly lower in cast material
than in the unworked soil. Counts for total bacteria revealed no significant differences between bulk soil,
burrow wall and casts. When earthworms were fed on soil containing P. fluorescens KTG, the population
size of the GEMMO declined progressively on passage from the foregut to the hindgut, then increased
slightly in the casts relative to the hindgut. However counts in fresh casts were still significantly lower
than the corresponding uningested soil. Populations of P. fluorescens KTG in casts increased by up to
approximately 10-fold over the first 2 d of the ageing period. Thereafter, plate counts of the GEMMO were
slightly less than the corresponding soil kept under the same conditions, showing a similar rate of decline
over the 50-d period. Total bacterial plate counts in the aged casts increased by approximately 25-fold
during the first 2 d of incubation, subsequently declining whilst remaining significantly higher than the
total bacterial plate counts in the corresponding soil which remained relatively constant throughout the
experiment. Following a single exposure of the earthworms to the GEMMO, counts of the. potential for
dispersal of GEMMOs by soil invertebrates.
88. NAL Call No.: QD501.M63
Isolation of genomic DNA from the earthworm species Eisenia fetida.
El Adlouni, C.; Mukhopadhyay, M. J.; Walsh, P.; Poirier, G. G.; Nadeau, D. Mol-cell-biochem v.142(1):
p.19-23. (1995 Jan.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: eisenia-fetida; dna-; isolation-; isotope-labeling; phosphorus-
Abstract: Our interest in detecting genotoxic exposure in earthworms led us to isolate high quality DNA
from the Eisenia fetida species. For that, we compared a modification of the conventional
phenol-chloroform extraction procedure, usually referred to as the Maniatis procedure, to two
commercially available kits reportedly eliminating multiple partitions in phenol and chloroform, namely
the Qiagen and Nucleon protocols. From the 260 nm optical density values, the commercial kits extracts
hinted toward higher DNA recovery with those procedures. However, the 260/280 nm ratios indicated that
the quality of the DNA isolated with the modified Maniatis procedure was purer than that isolated with the
commercial kits, the latter being most probably contaminated by proteins and/or RNA. The Maniatis
procedure was slightly modified by the introduction of a potassium acetate step for protein precipitation
and by shortening the proteinase K treatment from 12-18 h to only 2 h. The higher quality of the DNA
isolated by phenol-chloroform extraction was confirmed by quantification with the fluorescent
3,5-diaminobenzoic acid assay. Preliminary results suggest that the modified Maniatis procedure herein
described is not only applicable for DNA adducts studies using 32P-postlabelling techniques but is also
suitable for DNA extraction from other earthworm species such as Lumbricus terrestris.
89. NAL Call No.: S1.M57
Look out below! worms at work.
Ritchie, J. D. Small-farm-today v.13(2): p.52. (1996 Apr.)
Descriptors: oligochaeta-; earthworms-; biological-activity-in-soil; domestic-gardens; soil-fertility
90. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Lumbricus terrestris in a soil core experiment: nutrient-enrichment processes (NEP) and gut-associated
processes (GAP) and their effect on microbial biomass and microbial activity.
Devliegher, W.; Verstraete, W. Soil-biol-biochem v.27(12): p.1573-1580. (1995 Dec.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: soil-flora; populations-; biomass-; microbial-activities; nitrification-; respiration-;
lumbricus-terrestris; earthworms-; biological-activity-in- soil; interactions-; organic-matter; incorporation-;
metabolism-; enrichment-; nutrient-availability; microbial-ecology; metabolic-activity
Abstract: For 5 weeks, lettuce was supplied to the surface of three types of soil cores. In the first treatment,
Lumbricus terrestris (L.) was added before the lettuce supply. The average specific growth rate of L.
terrestris was 0.01 d-1 with an average feeding rate of 47 mg lettuce dw g-1 earthworm dw d-1 (2.1 mg
lettuce Kjeldahl(Kj)-N g-1 earthworm dw d-1). In the second treatment, no worms were added but the
lettuce was mixed with the soil. Relative to this "Mixed control", microbial biomass, nitrifying activity and
respiration rate were significantly reduced in the presence of L. terrestris by 20, 25 and 49%, respectively.
Proteolytic bacteria were significantly stimulated, but the inverse was noticed for fluorescent
pseudomonads. Total plate counts, siderophore-producing bacteria and fungi were similar in both
treatments. In the third treatment, no worms were added but the lettuce was left unmixed on the soil
surface. The "Earthworm treatment" scored significantly higher for most values relative to this "Unmixed
control". Nutrient-enrichment processes (NEP) associated with the organic matter incorporation were
distinguished from gut-associated processes (GAP) associated with the transit of soil and organic matter
through the earthworm gut. It was concluded that the NEP rather than the GAP are responsible for the
increased numbers of microorganisms reported in the presence of earthworms. On the other hand, the
specific metabolic activity (qCO2) of the microbial biomass was decreased by 35% due to the GAP. The
lower qCO2 indicated a better energy to biomass conversion and an alteration in the microbial community
in favour of a higher proportion of K-strategists.
91. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E58
Lysozyme activity in earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) coelomic fluid and coelomocytes: enzyme assay for
immunotoxicity of xenobiotics.
Goven, A. J.; Chen, S. C.; Fitzpatrick, L. C.; Venables, B. J. Environ-toxicol-chem v.13(4): p.607-613.
(1994 Apr.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricus-terrestris; toxicity-; immune-system; copper-; sublethal-effects; lysozyme-;
enzyme-activity; body-fluids; mortality-; temperature-; immunotoxicity-
92. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E58
A method for assessing sublethal effects of contaminants in soils to the earthworm, Eisenia foetida.
Gibbs, M. H.; Wicker, L. F.; Stewart, A. J. Environ-toxicol-chem v.15(3): p.360-368. (1996 Mar.)
Paper presented at the 15th Annual Meeting, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, October
30-November 3, 1994, Denver, Colorado.
Descriptors: eisenia-fetida; toxicity-; contaminants-; growth-; biomass-production; reproduction-;
survival-; sublethal-effects; biological-indicators; monitoring-; soil-pollution
Abstract: We developed and tested a procedure that allows quantification of the effects of soil
contaminants on earthworm (Eisenia foetida) growth and reproduction. The procedure monitors isolated
pairs of earthworms and generates a higher ratio of data per organism than other commonly used
procedures. It also incorporates an accurate technique for measuring adult growth, has high sensitivity
compared to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 14-d acute toxicity
test, and is cost effective. We applied the method to a variety of soil- testing problems. A
food-and-substrate trial using artificial soil demonstrated the sensitivity of the method and the need for
food supplementation to stimulate earthworm reproduction. Application of the procedure to assess efficacy
of a soil bioremediation technology revealed the advantage of measuring both growth and reproduction
and highlighted the usefulness of a single integrated measure of these two responses. The method also was
used as a fast-screening analysis for field soils in a large-scale ecological risk assessment. Finally, a
reference toxicant, used in dilution series, demonstrated that responses of E. foetida using our method
were similar to their responses in the OECD artificial-soil test method. The results of this study indicate
that this procedure can be used both for regulatory and compliance needs within the framework of
ecological risk assessment.
93. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Method for caging earthworms for use in field experiments.
Baker, G. H.; Barrett, V. J.; Carter, P. J.; Woods, J. P. Soil-biol-biochem v.28(3): p.331-339. (1996 Mar.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: aporrectodea-longa; megascolecidae-; earthworms-; populations-; establishment-; biomass-;
survival-; biological-activity-in-soil; lime-; sheep-dung; surface-treatment; incorporation-;
species-differences; grassland-soils; permanent-grasslands; dry-matter-accumulation; soil-ph; soil-depth;
land-productivity; field-experimentation; methodology-; south-australia; spenceriella-
Abstract: A method is described for caging earthworms in undisturbed soil in field experiments. The
method is applicable to sites which are seasonally dry (e.g. summer in southern Australia). Cages were
made from sections of PVC pipe (20 cm long X 30 cm dia) which were driven vertically into the soil
beneath a permanent pasture in South Australia during spring when the soil was moist and resident
earthworms were active near the surface. During the following summer, when most resident earthworms
had burrowed below the depth of the pipes to escape surface aridity, the pipes and the soil within them
were lifted from the surrounding soil. Fine curtain mesh was strapped across the bottom edges of the pipes
and the resultant "cages" were then replaced in their holes. The mesh isolated the soil within the cages and
prevented escape or invasion of earthworms during the subsequent wet season when the desired
earthworm species were added. The method was used to compare: (1) the influences of surface-applied
lime and sheep dung on the establishment of two earthworm species, Aporrectodea longa (Lumbricidae)
and Spenceriella sp. (Megascolecidae); (2) the abilities of the same two earthworm species to bury lime
and dung; and (3) the relative influences of A. caliginosa, A. longa, A. rosea, A. trapezoides and
Spenceriella sp. on pasture production. The earthworms were caged for 5 months. Survivorship of all
species was good (greater than or equal to 50%). Contamination in the cages by undesired species was
small (< 20%). The addition of sheep dung enhanced the establishment of A. longa (greater numbers and
biomass) but not the establishment of Spenceriella sp. The addition of lime did not influence the
establishment of either A. longa or. longa and dung than in other treatments.
94. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Microbial biomass in agricultural topsoils after 6 years of bare fallow.
Weigand, S.; Auerswald, K.; Beck, T. Biol-fertil-soils v.19(2/3): p.129-134. (1995 Feb.)
Special Issue: Microbial and faunal biomass in soils. 1.
Descriptors: soil-flora; biomass-; fallow-; catalase-; enzyme-activity; earthworms-; soil-properties;
topsoil-; agricultural-soils
Abstract: Inherent soil properties have an influence on microbial activity. These effects were measured in
a field trial at Weihenstephan with 30 agricultural and 2 vineyard soils from different sites in Bavaria
which had been kept under bare fallow for 6 years. The soils represented a wide range of arable soils from
a temperate climate. Unaffected by recent differences in climatic conditions or cropping managements,
they were used to assess the relationship between microbial biomass C and a broad spectrum of soil
physical and chemical properties (clay content 5-63%, pH 4.5-7.5, organic C 0.55-2.93%). Microbial C
was measured using the substrate-induced respiration method. In addition, soil catalase activity and the
abundance and biomass of earthworms were determined. Among the soil properties, microbial C was most
strongly correlated with organic C (r = 0.86, n = 29). In a comparison of linear regressions between
microbial biomass C and organic C for different cropping managements, the slope under bare fallow was
lowest, followed by monoculture and crop rotation. The microbial:organic C ratio ranged from 1.1 to 4.3%
and was significantly correlated with soil pH (r = 0.66). A positive relationship between microbial C and
the clay content (r = 0.66) was significantly improved when soils with more than 25% clay were excluded
(r = 0.80). Partial correlation analysis indicated that clay had a direct influence, hardly affected by an
intercorrelation with organic C. Catalase activity was highly correlated with microbial C (r = 0.95) and,
because a rapid and sensitive method of determination is available, was considered suitable for estimating
relative amounts of active microbial. mesofauna.
95. NAL Call No.: 442.8-B5236
Mitochondrial mass and membrane potential in coelomocytes from the earthworm Eisenia foetida: studies
with fluorescent probes in single intact cells.
Cossarizza, A.; Cooper, E. L.; Quaglino, D.; Salvioli, S.; Kalachnikova, G.; Franceschi, C.
Biochem-biophys-res-commun v.214(2): p.503-510. (1995 Sept.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: eisenia-fetida; earthworms-; cells-; mitochondria-; cell-membranes; membrane-potential;
fluorescence-microscopy; coelom-
Abstract: Earthworm coelomocytes exist in two forms, i.e., small (SC) and large (LC) cells, as
demonstrated by velocity sedimentation, electron microscopy, and FCM. However, we know little
concerning the functional activities of various, important organelles, such as mitochondria. In comparison
with SC, LC from Eisenia foetida have a higher number of mitochondria, and, accordingly, showed a
greater fluorescence intensity when mitochondrial mass was measured by nonyl acridine orange and FCM.
To measure MMP we used both the lipophilic cationic probe JC-1 and Rh123. The intracellular
localization of JC-1 in SC and LC was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Using JC-1, MMP was
analyzed separately on SC and LC by FCM, and significant percentages of coelomocytes (>95% of SC and
about 90% of LC) displayed a high MMP. Adding 0.1 micromolar VAL caused most SC to depolarize,
while this occurred in only a few LC. Rh123 gave different results: no effects of VAL were observed
either in SC or in LC. In coelomocytes there may be several energy-independent Rh123-binding sites
whose role must still be elucidated. On the whole, these data indicate that it is possible to analyze
mitochondrial parameters by FCM in intact invertebrate coelomocytes, and that the type of cell and the
probe used have a critical importance.
96. NAL Call No.: TD172.A7
Modelling and monitoring organochlorine and heavy metal accumulation in soils, earthworms, and shrews
in Rhine-delta floodplains.
Hendricks, A. J.; Ma, W. C.; Brouns, J. J.; Ruiter Dijkman, E. M. de.; Gast, R.
Arch-environ-contam-toxicol. New York, Springer-Verlag v.29 (1)p.115-127 (1995 July)
Includes references.
Descriptors: organochlorine-compounds; heavy-metals; polluted-soils; lumbricus-rubellus;
crocidura-russula; sorex-araneus; concentration-; animal- tissues; liver-; kidneys-; lipids-; residues-;
pollution-; monitoring-; biological-indicators; species-differences; floodplains-; biconcentration-
97. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Moisture requirements of Dendrobaena veneta (Oligochaeta), a candidate for vermicomposting.
Muyima, N. Y. O.; Reinecke, A. J.; Viljoen Reinecke, S. A. Soil-biol-biochem v.26(8): p.973-976. (1994
Aug.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: dendrobaena-; earthworms-; growth-; maturation-; cocoons-; cattle-manure;
environmental-factors; moisture-content; vermicomposting-; moisture-; moisture-perferences
Abstract: Dendrobaena veneta, an earthworm species from Europe, has been reported to have the potential
to combat organic waste problems and to be a producer of protein. This study was concerned with the
effect of moisture on growth, maturation and cocoon production of this species. Moisture preferences of
clitellate worms were studied with the aid of cylindrical moisture towers filled with cattle manure, ground
to a particle size of between 500 and 1000 micrometers and moistened. A moisture gradient was allowed
to develop in the towers and after the worms were added they were kept at a temperature of 15 degrees C
and a relative humidity of 47.7%. Juvenile worms were exposed to different moisture contents in glass
flasks filled with cattle manure medium and kept at 15 degrees C. The highest frequency for clitellate
worms was between 77.9 and 78.7% while their moisture preference ranged between 67.4 and 84.3%. For
cocoon production the highest frequency was between 73.1 and 79.9%. The optimum moisture content for
growth and maturation of juvenile worms was 75%. From the results it appears that this earthworm species
could be utilized in organic waste with a relatively high moisture content. However, comparing the
reproductive capacity and maturation time with that of other vermicomposting species, D. veneta seems to
be a less successful earthworm species for vermicomposting.
98. NAL Call No.: TD172.A7
Mortality of birds of prey following field application of granular carbofuran: a case study.
Dietrich, D. R.; Schmid, P.; Zweifel, U.; Schlatter, C.; Jenni Eiermann, S.; Bachmann, H.; Buhler, U.;
Zbinden, N. Arch-environ-contam-toxicol. New York, Springer-Verlag v.29 (1)p.140-145 (1995 July)
Includes references.
Descriptors: carbofuran-; predatory-birds; wild-birds; mortality-; crop-; earthworms-; concentration-;
nontarget-organisms; nontarget-effects; arable- land; switzerland-; buteo-buteo
99. NAL Call No.: QP1.C6
Multimeric Lumbricus hemoglobin stabilization by alkali and alkaline earth cations.
Harrington, J. P. Comp-biochem-physiol,-A-Comp-physiol v.109A(3): p.799-803. (1994 Nov.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricus-terrestris; earthworms-; hemoglobin-; cations-; structure-activity-relationships;
monovalent-cations; divalent-cations
Abstract: The role of monovalent and divalent cations on the structure-function relationships operative in
the large extracellular hemoglobin, isolated from the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, has been
investigated. This study includes the effects of these cations on the rates of autoxidation, resistance to
thermal unfolding, and the conversion of the methemoglobin form to the hemichrome state. At pH 7.0, the
divalent cations, Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II), and Ba(II), were found to be more effective in reducing the rate of
Lumbricus hemoglobin autoxidation than any of the monovalent cations studied. The order of
effectiveness in decreasing the rate of autoxidation was Ba(II)=Ca(II) > Sr(II) > Mg(II). Resistance to
thermal unfolding (25-60 degrees C) for Lumbricus hemoglobin is increased in the presence of Ca(II) or
Ba(II) ions. All of the monovalent cations appear to enhance thermal unfolding above 55 degrees C.
Reduced hemichrome formation is evident in the presence of Ca(II) or Ba(II) ions. Increased effectiveness
of several of the divalent cations in reducing autoxidation, increasing resistance to thermal unfolding, and
stabilization of the methemoglobin state is consistent with other investigations showing these cations
prevent subunit dissociation of the Lumbricus hemoglobin molecule.
100. NAL Call No.: QH75.A1B562
Nearctic earthworm fauna in the southern USA: biodiversity and effects on ecosystem processes.
Hendrix, P. F. Biodivers-conserv v.5(2): p.223-234. (1996)
Special issue: Biodiversity of soil organisms: community concepts and ecosystem function.
Descriptors: earthworms-; species-diversity; communities-; biogeography-; conservation-
101. NAL Call No.: 57.8-C734
New horizons for commercial vermiculture.
Riggle, D.; Holmes, H. Biocycle v.35(10): p.58-62. (1994 Oct.)
Descriptors: vermicomposting-; earthworms-; waste-utilization
102. NAL Call No.: TD365.C54-1995
Nitrogen cycling processes at the Ohio Management Systems Evaluation Area (MSEA).
Subler, S.; Nokes, S. E.; Blair, J. M.; Edwards, C. A. Clean water, clean environment, 21st century team
agriculture, working to protect water resources conference proceedings, March 5-8, 1995, Kansas City,
Missouri /. St. Joseph, Mich. : ASAE v.2p.223-226 (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: nitrogen-cycle; nitrogen-fertilizers; application-rates; tillage-; ridging-; continuous-cropping;
rotations-; zea-mays; glycine-max; triticum- aestivum; vicia-; low-input-agriculture; soil-fertility;
nitrogen-; soil-flora; earthworms-; biological-activity-in-soil; mineralization-; ohio-; ridge-tillage
103. NAL Call No.: S592.7.A1S6
Nitrogen transformations associated with earthworm casts.
Parkin, T. B.; Berry, E. C. Soil-biol-biochem v.26(9): p.1233-1238. (1994 Sept.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: nitrogen-; transformation-; worm-casts; nitrogen-content; oligochaeta-; aporrectodea-;
soil-organic-matter; nutrient-sources; biological- activity-in-soil; nitrification-; denitrification-;
species-differences; soil-variability; octolasian-
Abstract: Earthworms are intimately involved in the cycling of C and N in soil. Earthworm casts are
enriched in mineral N; however, there have been few studies of the dynamics of microbial N
transformations associated with earthworm casts. We evaluated the N-transformations in earthworm casts
as affected by organic residues used as a food source by earthworms. Denitrification rate, nitrification
potential and mineral N content of the casts of two earthworm species (Octolasian tyrtaeum Savigny and
Aporrectodea tuberculata Eisen) were assessed in laboratory trials. Trials were made in plastic chambers
(600 g soil) with three organic-c treatments: 20 g fresh hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), 5.5 g air- dried
hairy vetch or 5.5 g air-dried horse (Equus caballus) manure. Earthworm casts were enriched in mineral N,
relative to surrounding soil, and that the amount of N accumulated in earthworm casts was a reflection of
the N content of the organic matter used as a food source by the earthworms. Casts had elevated
denitrification rates, compared to soil, however, rates were low relative to the elevated NO3-
concentrations in the casts (80-100 microgram NO3-(-)N g-1 dry wt). Observed denitrification rates
appeared to be related to the quality of organic matter available to the earthworms, but were not
significantly affected by species of worm.
104. NAL Call No.: 23-W52J
No-tillage sowing decreases water erosion on loamy soils and increases earthworm activity.
Bligh, K. J-agric. South Perth, W.A. : Dept. of Agriculture v.35 (1) p.47-50 (1994)
Descriptors: no-tillage-; minimum-tillage; tillage-; pastures-; wind-erosion; water-erosion; runoff-;
losses-from-soil; earthworms-; population-density; loam-soils; australia-; conservation-tillage
105. NAL Call No.: 470-C16D
North American earthworms native to Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula.
McKey Fender, D.; Fender, W. M.; Marshall, V. G. Can-j-zool v.72(7): p.1325-1339. (1994 July)
Includes references.
Descriptors: earthworms-; lumbricidae-; megascolecidae-; new-species; descriptions-; taxonomy-;
ecology-; british-columbia; pacific-northwest-states- of-usa; arctiostrotus-
106. NAL Call No.: QC180.A1M52
Oxygen uptake and enzyme activity of isolated tissues of Lumbricus terrestris.
Wallukait, M.; Jay, A. Trans-Mo-Acad-Sci. Kirksville, Mo. : The Academy v.29 p.14-17 (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricus-terrestris; earthworms-; oxygen-consumption; lactate-dehydrogenase;
isocitrate-dehydrogenase; succinate-dehydrogenase; enzyme-activity; gizzard-; intestines-; animal-tissues;
body-wall
107. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E52
PB uptake by ecologically dissimilar earthworm (Lumbricidae) species near a lead smelter in south
Finland.
Terhivuo, J.; Pankakoski, E.; Hyvarinen, H.; Koivisto, I. Environ-pollut v.85(1): p.87-96. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricidae-; lead-; pollutants-; polluted-soils; uptake-; concentration-; soil-ph;
population-density; species-differences; monitoring-; pollution-; finland-
108. NAL Call No.: 421-J826
PCBs increase molecular-related activities (lysozyme, antibacterial, hemolysis, proteases) but inhibit
macrophage-related functions (phagocytosis, wound healing) in earthworms.
Ville, P.; Roch, P.; Cooper, E. L.; Masson, P.; Narbonne, J. F. J-invertebr-pathol v.65(3): p.217-224. (1995
May)
Includes references.
Descriptors: eisenia-fetida; eisenia-; lumbricus-terrestris; polychlorinated-biphenyls; toxicity-; lysozyme-;
hemolysins-; hemolysis-; proteinases-; macrophages-; phagocytosis-; healing-; humoral-immunity;
cell-mediated-immunity; aeromonas-hydrophila; eisenia-hortensis
Abstract: Both humoral and cellular immunodefense responses of the earthworms, Eisenia fetida andrei,
Eisenia hortensis, and Lumbricus terrestris, have been compared after exposure to the PCB Aroclor 1254.
Responses mediated by free factors, detected by in vitro assays for lysozyme, hemolysis, and proteases,
were increased in both Eisenia. Antibacterial activity directed against pathogenic bacteria was increased in
E.f. andrei. The resistance of L. terrestris against nonpathogenic bacteria was decreased, confirming that
the bacteria were treated by different systems according to their pathogenicity. Nonspecific cellular
functions, including phagocytosis and those related to wound healing, decreased dramatically in all
earthworms.
109. NAL Call No.: TD930.A32
Phosphatase and beta-glucosidase activities in humic substances from animal wastes.
Garcia, C.; Ceccanti, B.; Masciandaro, G.; Hernandez, T. Bioresour-technol v.53(1): p.79-87. (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: vermicomposting-; composts-; cattle-manure; sheep-manure;
phosphoric-monoester-hydrolases; beta-glucosidase-; enzyme-activity; humic- acids; worm-casts;
isoelectric-focusing
Abstract: Phosphatase and beta-glucosidase, which are hydrolases bound to humic substances, were
determined in the extracts of humic substances and in their fractions (F) of varying molecular weight
(F1<10(3) low, F2<10(3)-10(4) intermediate and F3>10(4) high) obtained from cow and sheep manure
and their corresponding vermicomposted products (casting). In both of these products F2 was the fraction
with the highest C and N content, while the F1 fraction lost the greatest proportion of C during
vermicomposting. Phosphatase and beta-glucosidase could be detected in all the fractions studied, whether
these were from the extracts of the manure or from the casting. However, the enzymatic activity found in
the extracts was less than the total activity of all the fractions summed, which demonstrated that an
increase in activity was obtained as a consequence of the ultrafiltration. IEF spectra pointed to bands of
humic substances with higher isoelectric points (Ip) in the castings than in the corresponding manures.
Most of the beta-glucosidase in cow manure (as determined in humic bands appearing in the
polyacrylamide gel after IEF) corresponded to humic bands which focused at Ip between 4.1 and 4.7,
while in cow manure casting most of the activity was in bands with Ip between 5.1 and 6. In sheep manure
and casting the bands which showed beta-glucosidase activity also showed phosphatase activity. Both in
the extract and in its different fractions beta-glucosidase and phosphatase activity increased with IEF. IEF
spectra showed that humic substances of the casting had higher enzymatic activity than those of the
corresponding manures.
110. NAL Call No.: QP33.J681
Physiology of cold hardiness in cocoons of five earthworm taxa (Lumbricidae: Oligochaeta).
Holmstrup, M. J-comp-physiol,-B-Biochem-syst-environ-physiol v.164(3): p.222-228. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricidae-; cocoons-; cold-resistance; cold-injury; freezing-; dehydration-physiological
Abstract: Earthworm cocoons are mostly found in the uppermost soil layers and are therefore often
exposed to low temperatures during winter. In the present study, cocoons of five taxa of earthworms were
investigated for their tolerance to freezing, melting points of cocoon fluids and dehydration of cocoons
when exposed to a frozen environment. Embryos of the taxa investigated were freeze intolerant. The
melting points of fully hydrated cocoon fluids were high (above -0.3 degrees C) and thermal hysteresis
factors were absent. Exposure to a frozen environment caused the cocoons to dehydrate drastically and
dehydrated cocoons showed significantly lower supercooling points than fully hydrated cocoons, reducing
the risk of freezing for dehydrated cocoons. It is proposed therefore that the cold-hardiness strategy of the
earthworm cocoons is based on dehydration upon exposure to subzero temperatures in the frozen
environment. Cocoons of three surface-dwelling taxa, Dendrobaena octaedra, Dendrodrilus rubidus tenuis
and Dendrodrilus rubidus norvegicus had lower supercooling points and survived frost exposure better
than cocoons of two deeper-dwelling taxa, Aporrectodea caliginosa and Allolobophora chlorotica. One of
the investigated taxa, D.r. norvegicus, was collected from a cold alpine habitat. However, it was not more
cold hardy than the closely related D.r. tenuis collected from a lowland temperate habitat. D. octaedra was
the most cold hardy taxon, its cocoons being able to withstand -8 degrees C for 3 months and -13.5
degrees C for 2 weeks in frozen soil.
111. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E58
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) depress allogeneic natural cytotoxicity by earthworm coelomocytes.
Suzuki, M. M.; Cooper, E. L.; Eyambe, G. S.; Goven, A. J. Environ-toxicol-chem v.14(10): p.1697-1700.
(1995 Oct.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: polychlorinated-biphenyls; pollutants-; lumbricus-terrestris; cell-mediated-immunity;
cytotoxicity-; cells-; in-vitro; bioassays-; comparisons-; natural-killer-cell-like-activity
Abstract: Coelomocytes of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris caused significant spontaneous allogeneic
cytotoxicity in a 24-h trypan blue assay, but not in an assay using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release.
Allogeneic cytotoxicity assays using cells from worms exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
suggest that PCBs can suppress a natural killing (NK-like) reaction. The implications of this work are
112. NAL Call No.: TD172.C54
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in earthworms and isopods from contaminated forest soils.
Brummelen, T. C. v.; Verweij, R. A.; Wedzinga, S. A.; Gestel, C. A. M. v. Chemosphere v.32(2):
p.315-341. (1996 Jan.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: polycyclic-hydrocarbons; aromatic-hydrocarbons; soil-pollution; polluted-soils;
porcellio-scaber; oniscus-asellus; lumbricus-rubellus; philoscia-muscorum; forest-soils; air-pollution;
furnaces-; factories-; factory-fumes; mineral-soils; humus-horizons; forest-litter; netherlands-
113. NAL Call No.: QP1.C6
Polyol accumulation in earthworm cocoons induced by dehydration.
Holmstrup, M. Comp-biochem-physiol-Part-A,-Physiol v.111A(2): p.251-255. (1995 June)
Includes references.
Descriptors: aporrectodea-caliginosa; allolobophora-chlorotica; dendrobaena-; earthworms-; cocoons-;
dehydration-physiological; temperature-; polyols-; embryo-mortality; dendrobaena-octaedra
Abstract: Earthworm egg capsules ("cocoons") of five species were shown to accumulate polyol, probably
sorbitol, when dehydrated at -3 and 20 degrees C. Low temperature (0 degrees C) did not induce polyol
accumulation if cocoons were not dehydrated. The polyol accumulation was restricted to the embryos of
the cocoons. Accumulated polyol will reduce water loss of the embryo and thus increase the chances for
survival in cocoons exposed to cold or drought.
114. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Population dynamics of the earthworm Amynthas alexandri (Annelida: Megascolecidae) in a Kumaun
Himalayan pasture soil.
Kaushal, B. R.; Bisht, S. P. S. Biol-fertil-soils v.17(1): p.9-13. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: megascolecidae-; earthworms-; grassland-soils; population-dynamics; seasonal-variation;
india-
115. NAL Call No.: QH545.A1E29
Population level consequences of toxicological influences on individual growth and reproduction in
Lumbricus rubellus (Lumbricidae, Oligochaeta).
Klok, C.; Roos, A. M. de. Ecotoxicol-environ-saf v.33(2): p.118-127. (1996 Mar.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricus-rubellus; toxicity-; copper-; pollutants-; sublethal-effects; exposure-; duration-;
population-structure; survival-; growth-; reproduction-; mathematical-models; ecotoxicity-
116. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Potential of earthworms, ants, millipeds, and termites for dissemination of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal
fungi in soil.
Harinikumar, K. M.; Bagyaraj, D. J. Biol-fertil-soils v.18(2): p.115-118. (1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: vesicular-arbuscular-mycorrhizas; vesicular-arbuscular-mycorrhizas; dispersal-;
fungal-spores; survival-; viability-; lumbricus-terrestris; worm-casts; camponotus-; nests-; arthropods-;
feces-; odontotermes-; microtermes-; mounds-; propagules-; camponotus-compressus;
phyllogonostrepus-nigrolabiatus
117. NAL Call No.: 442.8-An72
The potential spread of terrestrial planarians Artioposthia triangulata and Australoplana sanguinea var. alba
to continental Europe.
Boag, B.; Evans, K. A.; Neilson, R.; Yeates, G. W.; Johns, P. M.; Mather, J. G.; Christensen, O. M.; Jones,
H. D. Ann-appl-biol v.127(2): p.385-390. (1995 Oct.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: planaria-; predators-; earthworms-; spread-; prediction-; geographical-distribution;
climatic-factors; computer-software; scotland-; england- ; europe-; climex-model
118. NAL Call No.: 421-En895
Prey preference and egg production of the carabid beetle Agonum dorsale.
Bilde, T.; Toft, S. Entomol-exp-appl v.73(2): p.151-156. (1994 Nov.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: agonum-dorsale; rhopalosiphum-padi; drosophila-melanogaster; lumbricus-terrestris;
predatory-insects; predators-of-insect-pests; feeding- preferences; prey-; predator-prey-relationships;
fecundity-; biological-control-agents; prey-quality
119. NAL Call No.: S37.F72
Proliferative gill disease of catfish.
Killian, H. S. FSA-Univ-Ark-Syst-Coop-Ext-Serv. [Little Rock, Ark.] : Cooperative Extension Service
v.(9073)p. 4 (1994 May)
Includes references.
Descriptors: ictalurus-punctatus; fish-diseases; gills-; symptoms-; myxozoa-; oligochaeta-;
intermediate-hosts; life-cycle; fish-ponds; infestation-; disease-control; aurantiactinomyxon-ictaluri;
dero-digitata
120. NAL Call No.: QL750.O3
Protozoa, nematoda and lumbricidae in the rhizosphere of Hordelymus europaeus (Poaceae): faunal
interactions, response of microorganisms and effects on plant growth.
Alphei, J.; Bonkowski, M.; Scheu, S. Oecologia v.106(1): p.111-126. (1996)
Includes references.
Descriptors: gramineae-; rhizosphere-; soil-flora; protozoa-; free-living-nematodes; earthworms-;
aporrectodea-caliginosa; population-density; shoots-; roots-; biomass-production; nutrient-availability;
nitrogen-; phosphorus-; forest-soils; fagus-sylvatica; respiration-; pellioditis-pellio; nutrient-leaching
121. NAL Call No.: QP501.C6
Purification and characterization of a poly-L-lysine-activated serine endoprotease from Lumbricus
rubellus.
Woo, K. M.; Yi, W.; Sohn, Y. J.; Chang, C. S.; Kang, M. S.; Ha, D. B.; Chung, C. H.
Comp-biochem-physiol,-B-Comp-biochem v.109B(1): p.71-80. (1994 Sept.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: lumbricus-rubellus; serine-proteinases; purification-; physicochemical-properties;
enzyme-activity; ph-; inhibition-; enzyme-inhibitors; lysine-; coelomomyces-
Abstract: An endoprotease in earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) is purified to apparent homogeneity using
125-I-lactalbumin as a substrate. The protease has a molecular mass of 27 kDa and is markedly activated
by poly-L-lysine or poly-L-arginine. It is a chymotrypsin-like serine protease. Its activity is distributed to
coelomic fluid but relatively little to coelomocytes.
122. NAL Call No.: TD930.A32
Recycling of cattle dung, biogas plant-effluent and water hyacinth in vermiculture.
Balasulramanian, P. R.; Bai, R. K. Bioresour-technol v.52(1): p.85-87. (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: cattle-dung; eichhornia-crassipes; plant-residues; vermiculture-; earthworms-; organic-matter;
crude-protein; growth-rate; waste-utilization
Abstract: The efficiency of recycling cattle dung, anaerobically digested cattle dung (biogas plant-effluent)
and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) by culture of the earthworm Megascolex sp. was studied. The
growth of the earthworms was increased by 156, 148 and 119% in soil supplemented with water hyacinth,
cattle dung and biogas plant-effluent, respectively. The growth rate of the earthworms was increased
significantly by raw cattle dung and water hyacinth over that by biodigested slurry.
123. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Relationships between casts of geophagous earthworms (Lumbricidae, Oligochaeta) and matric potential. I
. Cast production, water content, and bulk density.
Hindell, R. P.; McKenzie, B. M.; Tisdall, J. M.; Silvapulle, M. J. Biol-fertil-soils v.18(2): p.119-126.
(1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: aporrectodea-caliginosa; aporrectodea-; worm-casts; matric-potential; water-content;
water-balance; biological-production; bulk-density; species-differences; biological-activity-in-soil;
aporrectodea-rosea; cast-production
124. NAL Call No.: QH84.8.B46
Relationships between casts of geophagus earthworms (Lumbricidae, Oligochaeta) and matric potential. II.
Clay dispersion from casts.
Hindell, R. P.; McKenzie, B. M.; Tisdall, J. M.; Silvapulle, M. J. Biol-fertil-soils v.18(2): p.127-131.
(1994)
Includes references.
Descriptors: aporrectodea-caliginosa; aporrectodea-; worm-casts; matric-potential; dispersion-; clay-;
aggregates-; stability-; aporrectodea-rosea; mechanical-dispersion
125. NAL Call No.: SF995.A1A9
Resistance of chicks and poults fed vermicompost to caecal colonization by Salmonella.
Spencer, J. L.; Garcia, M. M. Avian-pathol v.24(1): p.157-170. (1995)
Includes references.
Descriptors: chicks-; poults-; composts-; feces-; eisenia-fetida; earthworms-; disease-resistance; cecum-;
colonization-; salmonella-typhimurium; salmonella-enteritidis; disease-prevention
126. NAL Call No.: 421-J822
Response of plant-feeding, predatory, and soil-inhabiting invertebrates to Acremonium endophyte and
nitrogen fertilization in tall fescue turf.
Davidson, A. W.; Potter, D. A. J-econ-entomol v.88(2): p.367-379. (1995 Apr.)
Includes references.
Descriptors: festuca-arundinacea; acremonium-coenophialum; endophytes-; urea-; soil-fertility;
spodoptera-frugiperda; schizaphis-graminum; rhopalosiphum-padi; predatory-arthropods; insects-;
scheloribates-; earthworms-; population-density; soil-fauna; kentucky-; herbivorous-insects
Abstract: The endophytic fungus Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones & Gams conveys resistance
to herbivory in tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreber. In contrast, nitrogen fertilization generally
enhances plant quality for herbivores. We studied the main effects and interaction of A. coenophialum and
fertilization on plant-feeding, predatory, and soil-dwelling invertebrates in tall fescue turf. Fall
armyworms, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), developed faster when reared on foliage from plots
treated with medium or high rates of urea than on unfertilized tall fescue, but development rates were not
affected by A. coenophialum. Greenbugs, Schizaphis graminum Rondani, preferred fertilized,
endophyte-free fescue over nonfertilized, endophyte-free grass. Similarly, bird cherry-oat aphids,
Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), developed fastest on fertilized, endophyte-free tall fescue. Fertilization,
however, did not override the strong, adverse effects of A. coenophialum on both aphid species. In field
plots, densities of leafhoppers, flea beetles, and Staphylinidae were generally higher in fertilized than in
nonfertilized turf. Flea