A comparative assessment of the physicochemical parameters and microbial profile of three types of earthworm casts (Pellet, Mass and Turret) were determined. The total viable count (TVC), coliform counts, yeast and mould counts were determined using standard procedures.

The physico-chemical properties and plankton diversity were studied in Osere stream, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria from November 2009 to April 2010. Surface water and plankton samples were collected from three sampling stations. High value of Biochemical Oxygen Demand of 8.68mg/L and low value of Dissolved Oxygen of 1.23mg/L at the point of entry than at the upper flow of the stream indicate pollution stress. Also the presence of high abundance of Anabaena and Oscillatoria sp. which are pollution indicator species shows the negative effect the effluent from the detergent factory has on the stream, thus posing a potential threat to the people who live around and depend on the stream for daily use, hence the need for proper management of the stream. © JASEM

The study was conducted to determine earthworm cast biomass under three managed ecosystems, Gmelina, Cashew and Banana plantations at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and its impact on the soil physicochemical parameters. Seven, five and four plots of 3 m 2 each were sampled in Gmelina, Cashew and Banana plantations respectively. Each plot was laid out in form of a grid and seven quadrats of 44 cm x 44 cm each were sampled in each plot. On-field Cast weights were determined to the nearest gram using a top loading mechanical balance and the cast biomass was calculated from these. The nutrient and mineral properties of both earthworm casts and parent soils were determined using standard methods of AOAC. The % OC (4.61), %OM (7.96), sulphate (38.37), pH (7.78), total nitrogen (0.27), Mn (0.47) and Fe (7.23) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the earthworm casts under Gmelina plantation compared with the cashew and banana plantations. Cu and Fe concentrations in the parent soil under Gmelina plantation were significantly higher (p<0.05) than under cashew and banana plantations while Mg and Mn concentrations showed no significant difference. Compared with the parent soil, %OC, %OM, Mn and Fe obtained from earthworm casts were significantly higher (p<0.05) under all three plantations. Earthworm cast biomass under the Gmelina plantation (15483.63g/m 2 ) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that obtained under the cashew (13270.83g/m 2 ) and banana (8828.13) plantations. The present results showed that earthworm activity is better supported under Gmelina than cashew and banana plantations In addition, the higher cast biomass and nutrient level in the parent soil under Gmelina plantation signifies a significantly higher nutrient level which, expectedly means that the Gmelina plantation soil will be more fertile than the soil in cashew and banana plantations.