![]() Some species can even reproduce without a mate, a process called ‘parthenogenesis’. Earthworms can deposit multiple eggs within each cocoon, and most earthworms can reproduce multiple times throughout the season, if conditions are favourable. In irrigated golf turf, nuisance surface‑casting earthworms are usually endogeic or anecic species.Įarthworms are hermaphroditic, meaning, potentially, that instead of roughly half the population producing offspring each reproductive cycle, every adult earthworm within the turf system may produce offspring. Epigeic earthworms live at the soil surface and feed on the surface‑level litter layer. Endogeic earthworms form non‑permanent horizontal burrows within the soil profile and consume the surrounding soil and organic matter. Anecic earthworms pull turf clippings into their burrows to feed, then return to the turf surface to cast. Anecic earthworms create permanent vertical burrows which open to the soil surface these burrows can extend several metres into the soil profile. This may occur on golf turf in native‑soil areas where foot traffic is concentrated or where heavy machinery is routinely used.Įarthworms can be broadly classified based on their burrowing and feeding habits. Additionally, if soils become compacted, earthworms that would normally cast within the soil profile may cast at the surface, since pockets for cast deposition may not be available within the compacted soil profile. Earthworms are also usually less common in heavy clay soils where saturated conditions may reduce oxygen gas concentrations and restrict the air diffusion process necessary for earthworms to breathe. Nevertheless, some species (such as Amynthas hupeiensis) are commonly found casting on sand‑based greens and tees throughout the world. Most earthworms prefer soil pH between 5.0 and 7.0 and soil temperatures around 10‑16 ☌, though pH and temperature tolerances vary by species.Įarthworms are usually rare in sandy soils, due to the potential for dry conditions, diluted organic matter, and the abrasiveness of the sand particles. Some earthworms, such as Eisenia fetida, also secrete toxic mucous that helps ward off predators. Earthworms require moist soil to maintain their external mucus membrane, which helps prevent desiccation and facilitate air diffusion for breathing. There's also a handy leaflet that you can print off and distribute around your golf clubĮarthworms vary in their environmental tolerances. ![]() Additionally, cast material that is smeared across a turfgrass leaf may prevent photosynthesis, resulting in weak,ĭownload an updated poster with information about earthworms for golfers to read. Earthworms can also mine weed seed from the profile when the seeds are deposited above the turf among nutrient‑rich cast material, weeds can germinate and become problematic. Casts deposited on the turf surface can retain moisture and lead to turfgrass disease. Earthworm activity can also lead to pest invasion. Surface casting can result in a muddy and uneven playing surface and can interfere with quality and height of cut if casts build up on mower units. In golf turf, though, excessive production of earthworm faecal matter, commonly called ‘casts’, has many negative effects when casts are deposited above the turf canopy. ![]() Earthworms can also stimulate microbial activity, which helps break down thatch. Earthworms are generally considered to be beneficial organisms as their burrowing activity enhances water and air movement through the soil and moves organic matter into the profile.Įarthworm faeces are high in nutrients and can help ‘glue’ soil particles together to help improve soil structure.
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