Short-term effects on earthworm populations of sidedressing corn with solid dairy cattle manure in a boreal climate

Higher earthworm populations and Lumbricus biomass production were observed in corn plots sidedressed with solid dairy cattle manure. Significant changes were seen in the cocoon production between manure treatments indicating the potential effects of manure sidedressing on earthworm populations dynamics. Sidedressing of solid dairy cattle manure also increased Lumbricus populations, especially juveniles and adult L. terrestris. Population of Lumbricus and the population of Aporrectodea increased on treatment with manure.