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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1995

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Agronomy

First Advisor

Dwayne L. Beck

Abstract

Research suggests that earthworm activities in no-till soil profiles will increase water infiltration capacity and improve soil fertility. A three part study was conducted from 1990 to 1993. First, surveys were conducted to determine earthworm ecology and population density at several sites in South Dakota. Six earthworm species were identified in the survey. Population densities ranged from 0 to 191 earthworms m-2. The greatest earthworm populations were found in fertile soils of medium texture with little or no disturbance. Second, the impact of earthworm activity on soil water infiltration capacity was measured in worm and no-worm soil treatments using double ring and sprinkler infiltrometers. Water infiltration capacity was higher in some of the worm treatments compared to the no-worm treatments. The greatest difference between treatments was found in soils under long-term no-till farming practice. Third, earthworms (Lumbricus terresris) were introduced (planted) into earthworm void farm ground to evaluate their survivability and population movement. The average population estimate was six earthworms m-2 after two years with an average population movement of 2.5 to 5 meters per year.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Earthworms -- Ecology -- South Dakota
Soil ecology -- South Dakota

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

89

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/

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