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Occasionally reduced tillage in organic farming and effect on earthworms, springtails (collembolans) and crop yields
Project
Project code: TI-OL-08-PID1545
Contract period: 01.03.2012
- 31.08.2016
Purpose of research: Applied research
Healthy soils are characterised by high biological diversity. We are investigating the influence of temporarily reduced tillage in organic farming on earthworms, springtails and yields. Earthworms are of considerable importance for litter decomposition in soils and positively influence soil structure. They have yearly cycles of activity and feed on organic litter from the soil surface which they mix with mineral soil components. Through deep ploughing especially deep burrowing species are killed and their burrows are destroyed. Springtails are present in soils in very high numbers. as omnivorous animals they are part of many decomposing processes. Activity and abundance of these soil organisms are determined by the feed offer. This is influenced by crop rotations and soil tillage management. In Organic farming a targeted improvement of these decomposing soil organisms is of special importance to reach high nutrient mobilisation. Effects of occasional reduced tillage on activity and biodiversity of earthworms and springtails are analysed. Additionally effects of changes in crop rotations and of changes from conventional to organic farming on springtail populations in soils are explored. Comparing field trials on occasional reduced tillage (max. 15 cm cultivation depth) and ploughing regime are established on the research farm of the Institute of Organic Farming. Culture crops are triticale and following clover grass. Earthworms, springtails and crop yields are determined. The organisms are identified to family and species level (springtails) or species level (earthworms). Additionally after a first study in 2004 springtail populations in soils of different farm management regimes (organic dairy farm, cash crop farm, conventional site) are determined in the Trenthorst long term monitoring trial in 2012.
In fields with occasional reduced tillage earthworm populations are higher compared to the ploughing regime.
Section overview
Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering Plant Production
- Soil science
- Organic Farming
