Influence of organic residues application on the survival rate of the earthworm, Eisenia fetida in saline soil

Abstract

Saline soil is a problem soil in Northeast, Thailand. The saline soil affected on soil fertility, activities of organism and productivity. Earthworms may be used for soil rehabilitation and can improve soil fertility. However, the survival rate of earthworm in salt-affected soil is low. Organic residues may help to support the solution. Therefore, the objective of this research was to study the Influence of organic residues application on the survival rate of the earthworm Eisenia fetida in saline soil. Soil samples used in this study were collected. It was Thungsamrit soil series. The study was laid out based on complete randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications. Eight treatments included Control (CT), Manure (M), Cast of earthworms (VC), Rice straw (RS), M + VC, M + RS, VC + RS and M + VC + RS were used and the survival rate of earthworm was monitored for 45 day. The results showed that the high survival rate was found in the VC + RS treatment followed by the M+RS treatment due to high OM (11.17%), N (0.55%), K(7.51 mg/kg) and CEC (35.85 Cmol/kg) in the C+RS treatment and decreased pH (6.80) and EC (5.00 dS/m).The organic residues (vermicompost and rice straw) application in saline soil was the best solution to reclamation saline soil because high survival rate of earthworm and also could improve soil fertility and decreased pH and EC.