Veränderung der Effizienz der Regenwurmaustreibung mit Senfsuspensionen im Tagesverlauf

Summary

We tested the effect of sampling time on the efficiency of mustard extractions for earthworms in a field study. On an organic experimental farm (alluvial loams; Hennef/Germany) earthworm extractions were started on two consecutive days hourly from 10 am to 5 pm and 6 pm respectively. Significant effects of daytime on extracted earthworm biomass occurred on both days. Maximum biomass was extracted in the early afternoon in each case. Additional pot experiments have shown a significant temperature dependence of the mustard extraction method which at least partially explains the differences in on-site extracted earthworm biomass in the course of the day. We conclude that daytime has to be considered as a factor when using mustard extraction methods. When used in factorial field experiments, the extractions in different field plots should therefore be operated simultaneously.