Effect of rotation and conservation tillage of earthworms in a red-brown earth under wheat

Abstract

The effects of two rotation and two tillage systems on earthworm populations have been studied in a red-brown earth under wheat. At the time of sampling, the earthworm population under direct drill was nearly double that under conventional cultivation. The total number of worms was not affected by crop rotation with pasture or lupins, but following pasture there were significantly more large worms. It is suggested that at this site the earthworm population may be responding rapidly to alterations in food supply and water stress under the different agricultural systems.