Earthworms as soil quality indicators in Brazilian no-tillage systems

摘要: Abstract It is well known that earthworm populations tend to increase under no-tillage (NT) practices, but abundances be highly variable. In the present study, data from literature together with those on sampled in six watersheds SW Parana State, Brazil, were used build a classification of biological soil quality NT systems based density and species richness. Earthworms collected 34 farms aging 3 27 yr, February 2010, using an adaptation TSBF (Tropical Soil Biology Fertility) Program method (hand sorting five 20 cm × 20 cm holes 20 cm depth). Six forest sites also order compare richness systems. Species 6 forests ranged 1 species. Most earthworms encountered exotics belonging genus Dichogaster ( D. saliens , gracilis bolaui affinis ) native Ocnerodrilidae (mainly Belladrilus sp.), all small individual size. few sites, individuals Glossoscolecidae P. corethrurus Glossoscolex sp., Fimoscolex sp.) Megascolecidae Amynthas families encountered, low densities. Urobenus brasiliensis (Glossoscolecidae) found only fragments. farms, abundance 5 605 ind m −2 10 285 ind m . The ranking quality, was: poor, sp.; moderate, ≥25–100 per m 2–3 good, >100–200 4–5 excellent, >200 >6 sp. About 60% fell into poor moderate categories this classification, so further improvements farm's management system are needed enhance populations. Nevertheless, validation necessary allow for its wider-spread use.