Earthworms (<i>Perionyx excavates</i> Perr.), cowdung, and leaf residues alter soil physico-chemical and microbial properties in a traditional agroecosystem of Arunachal Pradesh
Keywords:
Organic amendment, Tropical soils, Soil properties, Microbial populationAbstract
The effects of native earthworms (Perionyx excavates), cowdung, and leaf residues on soil physico-chemical properties and microbial biomass C, N and P were studied for three months in a laboratory. The soil in the boxes was amended with leaf residues (arecanut, banana, bamboo, and colocasia) and cowdung (1:1 ratio) to which a minimum of five earthworms were introduced. Soil pH, moisture content, total nitrogen content, and available phosphorous were significantly (p< 0.05) higher in the treated soil. Among the treatments, earthworm population was high in the banana and bamboo residues. Nonetheless, population and biomass C, N, and P were higher in the pots treated with earthworm + cowdung + leaf residues, compared to soil with only earthworm. Overall, earthworms in conjunction with high quality plant residues would enrich the soil nutrient status vis-à-vis crop production in the humid tropics.Downloads
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