Location-dependency of earthworm response to reduced tillage on sandy soil

摘要: Since earthworms are of functional importance in soils, understanding their sensitivity to tillage is for the design sustainable management systems. The effect reduced, ploughless on earthworm abundance was explored during a 10-year observational study producer’s field sandy soil. analysis effects complicated by fact that not only affected but also soil properties. We analyzed spatial distribution pattern (Lumbricidae) heterogeneous 74 ha Northeast Brandenburg, Germany. Earthworm populations were assessed means handsorting along 4 transects 42 permanent plots which partly under conventional, reduced tillage. Different activity parameters calculated each plot and related properties such as texture organic carbon 0 15 cm. In addition, paired at both sides dividing line between indicated finer textured soils react more positively reduction than soils. State-space confirmed important all cases estimating transects. Organic cm, indicative system, an especially predictor maximal abundances year 2000. Our observations suggest higher variability closer relationships For separating from landscape scale studies, approaches promising take into account biota.