Earthworms as useful bioindicators of agroecosystem sustainability in orchards and vineyards with different inputs
Earthworm communities were studied in 72 different agroecosystems including vineyards and three types of orchards: apple, peach and kiwi. Orchards had different agricultural inputs, in particular copper (namely, copper sulphate applied as fungicide), and soil cultivation. Heavy metals were analyzed...
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Published in | Applied soil ecology : a section of Agriculture, ecosystems & environment Vol. 10; no. 1; pp. 137 - 150 |
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Main Authors | , , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Elsevier B.V
01.10.1998
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Earthworm communities were studied in 72 different agroecosystems including vineyards and three types of orchards: apple, peach and kiwi. Orchards had different agricultural inputs, in particular copper (namely, copper sulphate applied as fungicide), and soil cultivation. Heavy metals were analyzed together with other soil parameters (nutrients, bacteria and fungi). No differences were detected regarding microorganisms in orchards subjected to different agricultural practices. Copper concentration was higher in vineyards. Total earthworm abundance and biomass were severely reduced both by copper input and soil tillage. Individual species gave different responses to agricultural practices.
Aporrectodea caliginosa was negatively affected by both copper concentration and soil cultivation, while
Allolobophora chlorotica was negatively affected only by copper input.
Lumbricus rubellus and
Lumbricus castaneus were nearly absent in tilled orchards but apparently they were not much affected by copper input.
Octodrilus lissaensis and
Octodrilus pseudocomplanatus did not seem to be reduced by copper input and soil tillage. Species number and biomass were reduced both by tillage and copper input. Negative effects of tillage and fungicide residues (Cu, Zn) are clear enough factors to promote more extensive use of earthworms as reliable bioindicators in the rural landscape. |
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Bibliography: | P34 1999001010 |
ISSN: | 0929-1393 1873-0272 |
DOI: | 10.1016/S0929-1393(98)00036-5 |