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Quantitative image analysis of earthworm-mediated soil displacement

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Abstract

The way soil is disrupted and deformed by earthworm movement is hard to quantify non-destructively. Two anecic earthworm species, Aporrectodea longa (Ude) and Lumbricus terrestris L., were compared in their effect on the soil around them as they burrow. Image analysis (particle image velocimetry, PIV) was used successfully to quantify the distance and direction of soil particle displacement by earthworm locomotion giving a unique insight into their effect on the soil structure development. The data collected from both species using PIV show a decline in soil displacement at increasing distance from the earthworm’s body. The quantity of soil being displaced was more to the sides of the earthworms (radially) than in front of the prostomium (axially). Also, L. terrestris displaced more soil than A. longa both axially and radially. The findings from this study suggest that PIV image analysis is a viable tool for examining soil displacement by earthworms and the method used has the potential to be applied to other soil organisms.

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Acknowledgements

We thank David White and Andy Take for access to the University of Cambridge PIV code and Stephen Hobson for help using the Matlab programme. We also thank Christine Hackett (Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland) for statistical advice. The Scottish Crop Research Institute receives grant-in-aid support from the Scottish Government Rural and Environment Research and Analysis Directorate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK

    Christina M. Barnett, Anthony G. Bengough & Blair M. McKenzie

  2. College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK

    Christina M. Barnett

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  1. Christina M. Barnett
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  2. Anthony G. Bengough
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  3. Blair M. McKenzie
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Correspondence to Blair M. McKenzie.

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Barnett, C.M., Bengough, A.G. & McKenzie, B.M. Quantitative image analysis of earthworm-mediated soil displacement. Biol Fertil Soils 45, 821–828 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-009-0392-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-009-0392-9

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