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Earthworm numbers, biomass and respiratory metabolism in a beech woodland-Wytham Woods, Oxford

Earthworm numbers, biomass and respiratory metabolism in a beech woodland-Wytham Woods, Oxford The mean annual population density of earthworms was found to be 164.6 m -2 during a period of detailed study between October 1971 and September 1972. In a year of less detailed study between November 1972 and October 1973 the population density was 117.5 m -2 (139.8 m -2 when the type of extraction method was allowed for). Mean biomass densities in the two years of investigation were 41.0 g preserved wet wt m -2 (1971–1972) and 38.6 (possibly 39.2) g preserved wet wt m -2 (1972–1973). Comparison of the Brogden's Belt population and biomass densities with those reported from other woodlands indicates that soil type is more important than leaf litter type in determining the numerical abundance of earthworms. Population densities are lower in beechwoods on mor soils, mor soils also support significantly fewer species. As with numbers, mean biomass density in beechwoods on mor soils was significantly lower than that occurring in beechwoods on mull soils; the latter, in turn, being lower than those found in mixed deciduous woods on mull soils. Unlike population density biomass density is influenced by both soil and litter type, this is discussed by reference to mean body weights and food quality as reflected by tannin, nitrogen and carbohydrate content. The annual respiratory metabolism of the Brogden's Belt earthworms was calculated to be between 10.7 and 13.41 O 2 m -2 a -1 , which is equivalent to between 4.1 and 5.1% of the total soil metabolism. A production/biomass ratio of 0.49–0.58 was estimated, as was a net population efficiency of 22%. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Oecologia Springer Journals

Earthworm numbers, biomass and respiratory metabolism in a beech woodland-Wytham Woods, Oxford

Oecologia , Volume 33 (3) – Jan 1, 1978

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References (34)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 1978 by Springer-Verlag
Subject
Life Sciences; Ecology; Plant Sciences
ISSN
0029-8549
eISSN
1432-1939
DOI
10.1007/BF00348115
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The mean annual population density of earthworms was found to be 164.6 m -2 during a period of detailed study between October 1971 and September 1972. In a year of less detailed study between November 1972 and October 1973 the population density was 117.5 m -2 (139.8 m -2 when the type of extraction method was allowed for). Mean biomass densities in the two years of investigation were 41.0 g preserved wet wt m -2 (1971–1972) and 38.6 (possibly 39.2) g preserved wet wt m -2 (1972–1973). Comparison of the Brogden's Belt population and biomass densities with those reported from other woodlands indicates that soil type is more important than leaf litter type in determining the numerical abundance of earthworms. Population densities are lower in beechwoods on mor soils, mor soils also support significantly fewer species. As with numbers, mean biomass density in beechwoods on mor soils was significantly lower than that occurring in beechwoods on mull soils; the latter, in turn, being lower than those found in mixed deciduous woods on mull soils. Unlike population density biomass density is influenced by both soil and litter type, this is discussed by reference to mean body weights and food quality as reflected by tannin, nitrogen and carbohydrate content. The annual respiratory metabolism of the Brogden's Belt earthworms was calculated to be between 10.7 and 13.41 O 2 m -2 a -1 , which is equivalent to between 4.1 and 5.1% of the total soil metabolism. A production/biomass ratio of 0.49–0.58 was estimated, as was a net population efficiency of 22%.

Journal

OecologiaSpringer Journals

Published: Jan 1, 1978

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