SOME FACTORS AFFECTING EARTHWORM POPULATIONS UNDER PASTURE

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Abstract
The results of experiments undertaken in England and New Zealand are reported. Under highly productive pasture a significant correlation was found between pasture production and earthworm numbers and weights. This relationship was not evident until the pastures were more than 3 years old. On pastures of similar total dry‐matter production there was a significant correlation between yield of clover and numbers and weights of earthworms. The return of dung by the grazing animal increased earthworm numbers and weights, and the application of nitrogenous fertilizer had a similar but less marked effect. The earthworm population was not demonstrably related to the macro‐organic‐maller content of the pastures. The grazing of grass‐clover pastures was not essential for an increase in earthworm populations to occur. Allolohophora species (mainly A. caliginosa) were dominant under pure grass swards, whereas Lumhricus species (mainly L. rubellus) were dominant under grass/clover swards.