Earthworm (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) populations and late summer pasture renovation

Abstract A trial designed to compare pasture renovation techniques after damage by soldier fly ( Inopus rubriceps (Macquart) was sampled to assess treatment effects on earthworm populations. The five treatments, replicated six times, were: undersown (US), US + carbofuran (2 kg a.i./ha in the seed row) (C), US + C + paraquat (P), P + minimal rotary hoeing + C, rotary hoeing weekly for 6 weeks. The treatments affected the populations of the two common earthworm species differently and this can be related to their methods of oversummering. Lumbricus rubellus Hoffmeister oversummers as eggs and populations were reduced onlyin the most intensively cultivated treatment. All sizes of Allolobophora caliginosa Savigny worms oversummer, aestivating in earthen cells. Populations were reduced in both rotary‐hoed treatments and in the oversown treatment which included carbofuran and no paraquat. Juvenile A. caliginosa were more affected by these treatments than the clitellate worms.