Effect of chemical and bio-fertilizers on the life table attributes of Eisenia fetida
Article Main
Abstract
Earthworms are important soil invertebrates and play an important role in improving soil quality. Indiscrete use of chemical fertilizers poses a threat to soil quality. Alteration in the soil chemistry is known to negatively impact the macrofauna of soil, especially, epigeic earthworms. The study aimed to understand the effect of chemical and biological fertilizers on the life table attributes of earthworm, Eisenia fetida. Laboratory adapted E. fetida were reared on artificial soil supplemented with chemical fertilizers, Urea and DAP, and biofertilizers, vermicompost and Rutoz®.It was observed that the presence of urea in soil proved to be detrimental to the biomass accumulation, life span, as well as reproductive potential of the earthworms. Application of urea to the soil harbouring earthworms reduced the weight of individual earthworms from 286±14.24 mg in the control group to 242±12.047 mg as soon as 15 days of the application, while the DAP diminished the earthworm weight to 272±13.54 mg. The effect was more pronounced on the total biomass of the culture owing to the high toxicity of urea. The total mass diminished to one-third,i.e., 1.02±0.05 g on Day 60 as compared to the corresponding control (3.46±0.172 g). The urea and DAP treatment decreased the percent survival of the earthworms by 70% and 40%, respectively.On the other hand, the bio-fertilizers had a positive effect on the earthworms and the biology is comparable to that of the control group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to understand the effect of chemical fertilizers on the survival and reproductive fitness of the worms.
Article Details
Article Details
Keywords
Bio-fertilizers, Biomass, Cocoon, Chemical fertilizers, Earthworm, Eisenia fetida
References
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Chaudhari, M.S. (2016).Acute toxicity of Diammonium phosphate toearthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae). Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies; 4(6): 501-503.
Edwards ,C.A. & Lofty, J.R. (1982). Nitrogenous fertilizers and earthworm populations in agricultural soils.Soil Biology and Biochemistry,14(5), 515-521. DOI :10.1016/0038-0717(82)90112-2
European Economic Community(1985). Directive79/8331, V, Part C: Methods for the Determination of Ecotoxicity – Level 1. DG XI/127-129/82, Rev. 1: Toxicity for Earthworms. Commission of the European Community, Brussels.
Geisseler, D., and Scow, K. M. (2014). Long-term effects of mineral fertilizers on soil microorganisms - a review. Soil Biol. Biochem. 75, 54–63.
Iordrache, M., &Borza, I. (2010).Relation between chemical indices of soil and earthworm abundance under chemical fertilization.Plant, Soil and Environment, 56(9), 401-407.
Jusselme, M.D.,Miambi,E.,. Mora, P., Diouf, M. &Rouland-Lefevre,C. (2013) Increased lead availability and enzyme activities in root-adhering soil of Lantana camara during phytoextraction in the presence of earthworms. Sci. Total Environ, 445– 446, 101–109.
Laucka, A., Andriukaitis, D., Valinevicius, A.,Navikas, D., Zilys, M.,Markevicius, V.,Klimenta, D., Sotner, R.&Jerabek, J. (2020). Method for Volume of Irregular Shape Pellets Estimation Using 2D Imaging Measurement.Appl. Sci, 10, 2650.
Liang,W., Beattie,G.C.A., Meats, A. & Spooner-Hart, R.(2007) Impact on soil-dwelling arthropods in citrus orchards of spraying horticultural mineral oil, carbaryl or methidathion. Aust J Entomol,46, 79–85.
Lofs-Holmin, A. (1983). Influence of agricultural practices on earthworms (Lumbricidae), Acta. Agric. Scand, (33), 225 234.
Matlok, N., Szostek, M., Antos, P.,Gajdek, G.. Gorzelany, J.,Bobrecka-Jamro, D., &Balawejder, M. (2020). Effect of Foliar and Soil Fertilization with New Products Based on Calcinated Bones on Selected Physiological Parameters of Maize Plants.Appl. Sci., 10, 2579.
Meharaj, I. & Manivannan, S. (2015). Influence of poultry waste amended with different organic food sources on growth and reproduction performance of indigenous earthworms Lampito mauritii (Kinberg) and Perionyx excavatus (Perrier). Eur J Exp. Biol.,5 (6),1–6.
Miglani, R. & Bisht, S.S. ( 2019) World of earthworms with pesticides and insecticides. InterdiscipToxicol, 12(2),71-82. doi:10.2478/intox-2019-0008
Neuhauser, E.F. & Callahan,C.A. (1990). Growth and reproduction of the Earthworm Eiseniafoetida exposed to sublethal Concentration of Organic chemicals. Soil biology and Biochemistry, 31,363-366.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (1984).Guideline for testing of chemicals No. 207, Earthworm Acute-toxicity Test (Eiseniafetida/andrei).Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Paris, France.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (2004). Guideline for testing of chemicals No. 222, Earthworm Reproduction Test (Eiseniafetida/andrei). Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Paris, France.
Rodriguez-Campos, J., Dendooven, L., Bernal, D., Ramos, C.R.(2014).Potential of earthworms to accelerate removal of organic contaminants from soil: A review. Applied Soil Ecology, 79, 10-25. DOI:10.1016/j.apsoil.2014.0 2.010
Raza, S.T.,Tang, J.L., Ali, Z., Yao, Z., Bah, H., Iqbal, H. & Rn, X.(2021). Ammonia volatilization and greenhouse gases emissions during vermicomposting with animal manures and biochar to rnhance sustainability. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 18, 178.
Rai, N., Ashiya, P.&Rathore, D.S. (2014). Comparative study on the effect of chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers on Eisenia foetida. International J Innov Res SciEngTechnol,3 (5), 12991-12998.
Saxena, P.N., Gupta, S.K. & Murthy, R.C.(2014).Comparative toxicity of carbaryl, carbofuran, cypermethrin and fenvalerate in Metaphire posthuma and Eisenia fetida-a possible mechanism. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf,100,218–225.
Senpati,B.K & Dash,M.C (1984).Functional role of earthworms in the decomposer subsystem. Tropical Ecology,25(2),54-73
Sharma, A., Dhayal, D., Singh, O.P., Adak, T.& Bhatnagar, R.K.(2013). Gut microbes influence fitness and malaria transmission potential of Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. Actatropica, 128(1), 41-47.
Singh, J. S. & Gupta, V. K.(2018). Soil microbial biomass: A key soil driver in management of ecosystem functioning. Sci. Total. Env.,634, 497–500, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.373 (2018).
Sizmur, T., B. Palumbo-Roe, M.J. Watts & M.E. Hodson .(2011a). Impact of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (L.) on As, Cu, Pb and Zn mobility and speciation in contaminated soils. Environ. Pollut., 159, 742–748
Sizmur, T., Tilston, E.L., Charnock, J., Palumbo-Roe, B., Watts, M.J. &Hodson, M.E. (2011b). Impacts of epigeic: Anecic and endogeic earthworms on metal and metalloid mobility and availability. J. Environ. Monit, 13, 266–273.
Staley, C., Breuillin-Sessoms, F., Wang, P., Kaiser, T., Venterea, R.T., Sadowsky, M.J. (2018) Urea Amendment Decreases Microbial Diversity and Selects for Specific Nitrifying Strains in Eight Contrasting Agricultural Soils. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9, 634.
Thakur, S. S. & Yadav,S ( 2018). Exploration of earthworms of India through Online Digital Library, Earthworms - The Ecological Engineers of Soil, Sajal Ray, IntechOpen, DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.75666. Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/books/earthworms-the-ecological-engineers-of-soil/exploration-of-earthworms-of-india-through-online-digital-library
Whalen, J.K., Parmelee, R.W & Edwards C.A. (1998). Population dynamics of earthworm communities in corn agroecosystems receiving organic or inorganic fertilizer amendments.Biology and Fertility of Soils,27(4),400– 407.
Yahyaabadi, M.,Hamidian, H.A & Ashrafi, S. (2018). Dynamics of earthworm species at different depths of orchard soil receiving organic or chemical fertilizer amendments. Eurasian J Soil Sci, 7 (4), 318 - 325.
Yasmin S, D’Souza D.( 2010).Effects of Pesticides on the Growth and Reproduction of Earthworm: A Review. Appl and Environ Soil Sci.1–9. 2010. Article ID 678360.
Zhou, S., Duan, C., Wang, X., Michelle, W.H.G., Yu, Z. & Fu, H. (2008). Assessing cypermethrin-contaminated soil with three different earthworm test methods.J. Environ. Sci, 20(11),1381-1385.
Byambas, P., Hornick, J.L., Marlier, D. & Francis, F. (2019).Vermiculture in animal farming: a review on the biological and nonbiological risks related to earthworms in animal feed. Cogent Environ Sci.,5(1),1591328; https://doi.org/10.1080/23311843.2019.15913-28
Chaudhari, M.S. (2016).Acute toxicity of Diammonium phosphate toearthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae). Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies; 4(6): 501-503.
Edwards ,C.A. & Lofty, J.R. (1982). Nitrogenous fertilizers and earthworm populations in agricultural soils.Soil Biology and Biochemistry,14(5), 515-521. DOI :10.1016/0038-0717(82)90112-2
European Economic Community(1985). Directive79/8331, V, Part C: Methods for the Determination of Ecotoxicity – Level 1. DG XI/127-129/82, Rev. 1: Toxicity for Earthworms. Commission of the European Community, Brussels.
Geisseler, D., and Scow, K. M. (2014). Long-term effects of mineral fertilizers on soil microorganisms - a review. Soil Biol. Biochem. 75, 54–63.
Iordrache, M., &Borza, I. (2010).Relation between chemical indices of soil and earthworm abundance under chemical fertilization.Plant, Soil and Environment, 56(9), 401-407.
Jusselme, M.D.,Miambi,E.,. Mora, P., Diouf, M. &Rouland-Lefevre,C. (2013) Increased lead availability and enzyme activities in root-adhering soil of Lantana camara during phytoextraction in the presence of earthworms. Sci. Total Environ, 445– 446, 101–109.
Laucka, A., Andriukaitis, D., Valinevicius, A.,Navikas, D., Zilys, M.,Markevicius, V.,Klimenta, D., Sotner, R.&Jerabek, J. (2020). Method for Volume of Irregular Shape Pellets Estimation Using 2D Imaging Measurement.Appl. Sci, 10, 2650.
Liang,W., Beattie,G.C.A., Meats, A. & Spooner-Hart, R.(2007) Impact on soil-dwelling arthropods in citrus orchards of spraying horticultural mineral oil, carbaryl or methidathion. Aust J Entomol,46, 79–85.
Lofs-Holmin, A. (1983). Influence of agricultural practices on earthworms (Lumbricidae), Acta. Agric. Scand, (33), 225 234.
Matlok, N., Szostek, M., Antos, P.,Gajdek, G.. Gorzelany, J.,Bobrecka-Jamro, D., &Balawejder, M. (2020). Effect of Foliar and Soil Fertilization with New Products Based on Calcinated Bones on Selected Physiological Parameters of Maize Plants.Appl. Sci., 10, 2579.
Meharaj, I. & Manivannan, S. (2015). Influence of poultry waste amended with different organic food sources on growth and reproduction performance of indigenous earthworms Lampito mauritii (Kinberg) and Perionyx excavatus (Perrier). Eur J Exp. Biol.,5 (6),1–6.
Miglani, R. & Bisht, S.S. ( 2019) World of earthworms with pesticides and insecticides. InterdiscipToxicol, 12(2),71-82. doi:10.2478/intox-2019-0008
Neuhauser, E.F. & Callahan,C.A. (1990). Growth and reproduction of the Earthworm Eiseniafoetida exposed to sublethal Concentration of Organic chemicals. Soil biology and Biochemistry, 31,363-366.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (1984).Guideline for testing of chemicals No. 207, Earthworm Acute-toxicity Test (Eiseniafetida/andrei).Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Paris, France.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (2004). Guideline for testing of chemicals No. 222, Earthworm Reproduction Test (Eiseniafetida/andrei). Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Paris, France.
Rodriguez-Campos, J., Dendooven, L., Bernal, D., Ramos, C.R.(2014).Potential of earthworms to accelerate removal of organic contaminants from soil: A review. Applied Soil Ecology, 79, 10-25. DOI:10.1016/j.apsoil.2014.0 2.010
Raza, S.T.,Tang, J.L., Ali, Z., Yao, Z., Bah, H., Iqbal, H. & Rn, X.(2021). Ammonia volatilization and greenhouse gases emissions during vermicomposting with animal manures and biochar to rnhance sustainability. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 18, 178.
Rai, N., Ashiya, P.&Rathore, D.S. (2014). Comparative study on the effect of chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers on Eisenia foetida. International J Innov Res SciEngTechnol,3 (5), 12991-12998.
Saxena, P.N., Gupta, S.K. & Murthy, R.C.(2014).Comparative toxicity of carbaryl, carbofuran, cypermethrin and fenvalerate in Metaphire posthuma and Eisenia fetida-a possible mechanism. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf,100,218–225.
Senpati,B.K & Dash,M.C (1984).Functional role of earthworms in the decomposer subsystem. Tropical Ecology,25(2),54-73
Sharma, A., Dhayal, D., Singh, O.P., Adak, T.& Bhatnagar, R.K.(2013). Gut microbes influence fitness and malaria transmission potential of Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. Actatropica, 128(1), 41-47.
Singh, J. S. & Gupta, V. K.(2018). Soil microbial biomass: A key soil driver in management of ecosystem functioning. Sci. Total. Env.,634, 497–500, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.373 (2018).
Sizmur, T., B. Palumbo-Roe, M.J. Watts & M.E. Hodson .(2011a). Impact of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (L.) on As, Cu, Pb and Zn mobility and speciation in contaminated soils. Environ. Pollut., 159, 742–748
Sizmur, T., Tilston, E.L., Charnock, J., Palumbo-Roe, B., Watts, M.J. &Hodson, M.E. (2011b). Impacts of epigeic: Anecic and endogeic earthworms on metal and metalloid mobility and availability. J. Environ. Monit, 13, 266–273.
Staley, C., Breuillin-Sessoms, F., Wang, P., Kaiser, T., Venterea, R.T., Sadowsky, M.J. (2018) Urea Amendment Decreases Microbial Diversity and Selects for Specific Nitrifying Strains in Eight Contrasting Agricultural Soils. Frontiers in Microbiology, 9, 634.
Thakur, S. S. & Yadav,S ( 2018). Exploration of earthworms of India through Online Digital Library, Earthworms - The Ecological Engineers of Soil, Sajal Ray, IntechOpen, DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.75666. Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/books/earthworms-the-ecological-engineers-of-soil/exploration-of-earthworms-of-india-through-online-digital-library
Whalen, J.K., Parmelee, R.W & Edwards C.A. (1998). Population dynamics of earthworm communities in corn agroecosystems receiving organic or inorganic fertilizer amendments.Biology and Fertility of Soils,27(4),400– 407.
Yahyaabadi, M.,Hamidian, H.A & Ashrafi, S. (2018). Dynamics of earthworm species at different depths of orchard soil receiving organic or chemical fertilizer amendments. Eurasian J Soil Sci, 7 (4), 318 - 325.
Yasmin S, D’Souza D.( 2010).Effects of Pesticides on the Growth and Reproduction of Earthworm: A Review. Appl and Environ Soil Sci.1–9. 2010. Article ID 678360.
Zhou, S., Duan, C., Wang, X., Michelle, W.H.G., Yu, Z. & Fu, H. (2008). Assessing cypermethrin-contaminated soil with three different earthworm test methods.J. Environ. Sci, 20(11),1381-1385.
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Effect of chemical and bio-fertilizers on the life table attributes of Eisenia fetida . (2021). Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 13(4), 1524-1530. https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.v13i4.2973
