ISSN:
1432-0789
Keywords:
Earthworm activity
;
Geostatistics
;
Dispersal rate
;
Spatial variability
;
Land reclamation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Geosciences
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Summary We studied the earthworm distribution in a permanent polder grassland by making two detailed surveys in 1983 and in 1990. Geostatistical procedures were used to investigate the changes in species composition and to determine the dispersal rate. Attention was focused on two soil survey variables closely related to earth-worm distribution, the thickness of the Ah horizon and the number of burrows. The dispersal rate between the two survey dates was 13 m year−1 compared with 10 m year−1 before 1983. The difference was attributed either to the development of new population centres due to dispersal by cow's feet or tractor wheels, this altering the spatial dynamics, or to a lag phase in population development in the years following inoculation.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00395461
