Quantification of Role of Earthworms in Decomposer Subsystem in Laboratory Experiment

The impact of presence and absence of earthworms during decomposition of amended litter of Shorea robusta in laboratory experiment, in particular reference to some edaphic factors, has been studied. The investigation revealed statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in the rate of decomposition (mg dry wt./day) as well as soil respiration (mg CO₂/g soil) with earthworms over without earthworms. 0.52 mg dry wt./day litter decomposed more due to presence of earthworms. The value of decomposition constant 'K', which is an index of the effectiveness of decomposer community, was higher with earthworms (1.975) than without earthworm (1.625). The statistical analysis revealed a negative correlation between decomposition and duration. The relationship between soil respiration and soil moisture was found to be y = 17.413x - 0.1149, r = 0.907 (p<0.001) and y = 2.534x + 2.298, r = 0.987 (p<0.001) in experiment without and with earthworms respectively. Similarly the relationship between soil respiration and temperature has been represented by the expression y = 0.536x - 12.243, r = 0.914 (p<0.001) and y = 0.078x + 0.542, r = 0.989 (p<0.001) in experiment without and with earthworms.