Potential for higher rates of denitrification in earthworm casts than in the surrounding soil |
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| Authors: | B H Svensson U Boström L Klemedtson |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Microbiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;(2) Department of Ecology and Environmental Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden |
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| Abstract: | Summary Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) were cultured in the laboratory and fed on lucerne (Medicago sativa L.). Denitrification rates in the surface casts and the surrounding soil were quantified using C2H2-inhibition of nitrous oxide reductase. The investigation also included determination of the N2O-formation by nitrification as well as CO2-formation as a measure of respiration. The denitrification rates of wet earthworm casts were found to be significantly higher than those occurring in wet samples from the soil. The low N2O-formation observed seemed to be due to denitrification. Respiration was higher in casts, indicating higher oxygen demand which resulted in more anaerobic conditions. The energy supply was probably better in casts compared with the surrounding soil. |
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| Keywords: | Denitrification N2O Earthworm casts Respiration Lumbricus terrestris Medicago sativa |
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