Soil pH preferences and the influences of soil type and temperature on the survival and growth of Aporrectodea longa (Lumbricidae)

Climate Change on Soil Structure and Soil Health: Impacts and Adaptation

“…Furthermore, burying rate of litter by earthworm, a measure of rate of decomposition, was also temperature dependent (Couteauz and Bolger 2000). Baker and Whiby (2003) observed that very few cocoon of A. longa survived 2 months in air-dried soil. They suggested that the more rapid drying out of soil and therefore disruption to their natural life cycle (by 1 month earlier than northern Tasmania) could be the reason for their inability to colonise mainland southern Australia.…”

Current and Potential Benefits of Mass Earthworm Culture

“…In several studies (Wever et al, 2001;Baker and Whitby, 2003), water loss was determined by weighing culture vessels on a regular basis and replenishing water as necessary. Water is usually applied to the substrate surface; however, Nuutinen and Butt (1997) cultured L. terrestris in PVC cylinders (6.5 cm diameter and 95 cm height) standing in a vessel filled with water to a depth of 1 cm, replacing moisture lost at the surface by capillary action.…”

Introduced earthworms in agricultural and reclaimed land: their ecology and influences on soil properties, plant production and other soil biota

“…Baker (1998a) made a crude prediction of where A. longa might establish in Australia if given the chance, based on annual rainfall matching with its known distribution in Europe. Baker and Whitby (2003) have since suggested that the length of time the soil remains sufficiently moist during the year (and hence adequate for cocoon development) may be a better predictor for the successful establishment of A. longa. Other edaphic factors, such as soil pH, also need to be considered (Baker and Whitby 2003).…”

“…Baker and Whitby (2003) have since suggested that the length of time the soil remains sufficiently moist during the year (and hence adequate for cocoon development) may be a better predictor for the successful establishment of A. longa. Other edaphic factors, such as soil pH, also need to be considered (Baker and Whitby 2003). Baker et al (1999a) inoculated A. longa in cages into several different soil types in south-eastern Australia and recorded establishment, in the short-term (5 months).…”