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Kath Bentley, STRI Turfgrass Agronomist for the North, revisits the humble earthworm
groundsmen alike. In particular, these casts are very undesirable in fine turf situations such as bowling greens, golf greens or cricket tables where accurate ball roll or bounce is particularly important. With the ongoing depletion of worm control chemicals, coupled with the ever milder and wetter weather conditions experienced in recent years, these ‘pests’ appear to be on the rise. I think it is time, therefore, to remind ourselves of the problems they cause and ensure we are doing all we can to limit their progress. There are 28 species of
E
arthworms, and above all their casts, are a long suffered problem of greenkeepers and
which to exchange sperm cells. Mating usually takes place on the surface at night when temperatures are lower, humidity levels are higher and birds are not about. Frequent mating takes place throughout the year, but inactive periods are brought about by unsuitable environmental conditions - for example the soil is too dry during the summer or too cold during the winter.
The advantages and disadvantages of earthworms
earthworm native to the UK, as well as a number of non-native species brought in by accident through the actions of humans - for example in the soils of imported exotic plants. Each species exhibits unique behavioural and physiological characteristics, their distribution being influenced by soil pH, soil texture, organic matter, mode of feeding, life style and their location within the soil profile. For example, sandy links golf courses are often not as prone to infestation as heavy soil parkland courses, as the worms prefer moisture retentive soils where there is a higher proportion of organic matter. The sand is also abrasive to their skin, something they do not like. Maybe surprisingly, only a small number of species actually produce the casts which are such a nuisance. The most abundant of the casting species is Lumbricus terrestris, which is also the UK’s largest species at 90-170mm in length. This earthworm is nocturnal and forms a permanent vertical burrow opening onto the soil from which it forages for food. Although all earthworms are hermaphrodites (i.e. they have both male and female reproductive organs), not all can reproduce asexually and most, including L. terrestris, must find a mate with
It has long been understood that there are many benefits to be gained from having earthworms in the soil. In fact, Charles Darwin studied them closely and recognised their role saying, “It may be doubted whether there are many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world, as have these lowly organised creatures.” Their most important role is in the decomposition process within the soil which increases nutrient availability and soil fertility, but other benefits include increased infiltration rates, the modification (improvement) of soil structure and soil aeration, thereby leading to improved rooting of plants. Unfortunately, for those of us whose primary concern is the playing quality of our sports turf , the disadvantages brought about by the indigestible material ejected by the earthworm in the form of a cast are significant. In the first instance, these casts are unsightly, but the main concern is the effect of the casts on the run of a ball across the surface. The relationship between the ball and playing surface is important in all ball games, but is particularly so in fine turf situations such as on a bowling green, golf green or cricket table, where ball roll or bounce is imperative. Anything that interferes with this relationship is therefore a big disadvantage. Unhappily, that is not the end of
the story, as there are further disadvantages to be aware of.
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