Earthworm Diversity and Population Dynamics in Different Land Use Systems of Yamuna Nagar District Haryana

Abstract

x newlineABSTRACT newlineLittle information is available on the earthworm distribution and diversity of North Indian Trans-Gangetic plains, which have been the centre of Green Revolution. Earthworm abundance and species diversity was assessed in six land use systems at Yamuna Nagar District of Haryana State. Samples were taken at bimonthly intervals for two years (2011-13) in six sites: Dry deciduous Shorea robusta forest, highly degraded Acacia catechu forest, agroforestry system (Populus deltoides plantation), wheat-paddy rotation crop field, an herbal garden created after removal of A. catechu stand and a home garden. A total of fourteen species of earthworms belonging to four different families - Megascolecidae, Octochaetidae, Lumbricidae and Ocnerodrilidae were recorded. Among them, five species: Ocnerodrilus occidentalis Eisen, Lennogaster pusillus (Stephenson), Ramiella bishambari (Stephenson), Metaphire houlleti (Perrier) and Metaphire birmanica (Rosa) are reported for the first time from the State of Haryana. A simple key for their identification is provided. newlineEarthworms were sampled at bimonthly intervals for a period of two years (2011-2013) using hand sorting method from soil monoliths of 25×25×30 cm. The highest population density was observed in home garden and the highest biomass was found in cultivation. Species richness (8 species) was also highest in home garden, mainly due to the presence of exotic peregrine (4) species and native peregrine (4) species. The lowest species richness (2 species) was found in highly degraded forest of A. catechu. According to functional diversity, majority of species belonged to endogeic or epi-endogeic category, primarily associated with impacted systems. Anecics (2 species) were associated with habitats with trees and rehabilitated herbal garden after removal of tree cover. Only one epigeic species was recorded, i.e. in home garden where cow dung was applied as manure regularly. The change in functional guild in different land use systems could be due to differences in chemical characteristics of organic matter associated with different land management practices. newlinexi newlineAll species exhibited highest abundance and biomass during the rainy season (northwest newlinemonsoons). Earthworm density was also positively correlated with rainfall. Low newlineearthworm density and biomass in highly degraded A. catechu forest was attributed to newlinelow values of soil moisture and organic carbon. newlineKeywords: Earthworms, Trans-Gangetic plains, Distribution, Diversity, Megascolecidae, newlineOctochaetidae, Lumbricidae and Ocnerodrilidae. newline