Soil and Land Systems publications

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Browsing Soil and Land Systems publications by Author "Baker, G."

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    Competition and cocoon consumption by the earthworm Aporrectodea longa
    (ELSEVIER, 1998) Dalby, P.; Baker, G.; Smith, S.
    We investigated interactions between the deep burrowing earthworm Aporrectodea longa and three other common pasture species (A. caliginosa, A. trapezoides and Microscolex dubius) and the roles these other species would have on reducing the ability of A. longa to colonise agricultural land in the high rainfall zone (>600 mm) of southern Australia. Experiments were conducted in pots in the laboratory or glasshouse and in cages in the field. In most experiments, field soil was used and in some experiments, an artificial soil of commercially available garden loam mixed with bentonite clay was used. To determine whether competition occurred, the growth, survival and reproduction of earthworms was compared between single-species and mixed-species treatments. Competition between A. longa and A. caliginosa was weak and no competitive effects were measured between A. longa and A. trapezoides. The presence of A. longa significantly reduced the reproductive output of M. dubius, possibly by removing its food source and habitat or consuming its cocoons. This is the first reported evidence that individuals of one earthworm species may consume the cocoons of another. The establishment of A. longa into pastures in southern Australia is unlikely to be impeded by the presence of earthworm species already established. The spread of A. longa in this region will not significantly reduce populations of A. trapezoides and A. caliginosa, but is likely to decrease populations of M. dubius significantly. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
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    Glyphosate, 2,4-DB amd dimethoate: Effects on earthworm survival and growth
    (Pergamon Press, 1995) Dalby, P.; Baker, G.; Smith, S.
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    Potential impact of an introduced lumbricid on a native woodland in South Australia
    (ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV, 1998) Dalby, P.; Baker, G.; Smith, S.
    We tested the potential threat of the introduced earthworm Aporrectodea longa to eucalypt woodlands on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia by investigating: (1) whether A. longa could survive, grow and reproduce in soil from a woodland, (2) the effect of A. longa on the survival, growth and reproduction of a locally dominant, native earthworm, Gemascolex lateralis and (3) whether A. longa would move into woodland soil if it were given a choice between woodland and pasture soil. A. longa was able to survive and grow in woodland soil but did not reproduce. There were no significant negative effects of A. longa on the survival, growth or reproduction of G. lateralis. When given a choice between woodland and pasture soil, A. longa showed a preference for pasture soil. This suggests that A. longa is unlikely to threaten these woodland ecosystems because it would have no effect on the dominant earthworm species in the short term, would be unable to maintain a population in the woodland, and would be unlikely to colonise the woodland. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.