The effect of urea on epigeic earthworm species (Eisenia foetida)

Abstract

Abstract. Long W, Ansari A, Seecharran D. 2017. The effect of Urea on epigeic earthworm species (Eisenia foetida). Cell Biol Dev 1: 46-50. Using chemical fertilizers in intensive agriculture has undoubtedly increased crop production but has adversely affected soil properties over a long period. The effects clearly could be seen in the soil environment and the soil organisms living in that ecosystem. This study was conducted to determine the effects of Urea on epigeic earthworm species (Eisenia foetida) in clay soil. A total of five doses of Urea were used i.e 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 250mg. They were labeled T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. A control group was also set up, and the treatment groups were replicated three times. The results indicated that adding Urea affected the soil's chemical properties in treatments inoculated with earthworms (Eisenia foetida). The adult earthworm population was 70% in control when compared to different treatment dosage of Urea 50 mg/kg (T1)-85%, 100 mg/kg (T2)-66.67%, 150 mg/kg (T3)- 68.34%, 200 mg/kg (T4)- 86.67% and 250 mg/kg (T5)- 51.67%. The mortality percentage was minimal in treatments T4 and T1, whereas it was maximum in treatment T5 (48%). A 250 mg/kg dose was the most toxic dose of Urea in the soil inoculated with earthworms. The results were significant at p=0.05.