The earthworm sampling records the abundance, biomass and species diversity of earthworms in the Kaltenborn site. Hereby all 16 plots where sampled. In every plot, four samples are taken, 2 in the 'no management' subplot (U) and 2 in the 'management' subplot (M). In the monoculture plots, sampling locations were located randomly in every subplot. In de mixed plots with 2, 3 or 4 tree species, sampling locations were, per subplot, located randomly on a 'crossing point' of respectively 2,3 or 4 species. At each sampling point earthworms were sampled. First (if present), a central litter sample (25x25cm) is taken followed by the 'mustard extraction method' over an area of 0,5 m² (0.5x1m) and a final soil sample (25x25x20cm) (length, width, depth) in the middle of this location. Litter and soil samples were taken to the lab for further handsorting, whereby the pit left after sampling was levelled off with surrounding soil. Sampled earthworms are stored in 70% ethanol solution.

All 16 plots where sampled. In every plot, four samples are taken, 2 in the 'no management' subplot (U) and 2 in the 'management' subplot (M). In principle, within every subplot, the samples are taken randomly, but samples are not taken close to tree stems. In the monoculture plots, sampling locations were located randomly in every subplot. In de mixed plots with 2, 3 or 4 tree species, sampling locations were, per subplot, located randomly on a 'crossing point' of respectively 2, 3 or 4 species. At each sampling point earthworms were sampled. First (if present), a central litter sample (25x25cm) is taken followed by the 'mustard extraction method' over an area of 0,5 m² (0.5x1m) and a final soil sample (25x25x20cm) (length, width, depth) in the middle of this location. When no litter is present, no litter sample could be taken and only a mustard extraction and soil sample is carried out. Litter and soil samples were taken to the lab for further handsorting, whereby the pit left after sampling was levelled off with surrounding soil. Sampled earthworms are stored in 70% ethanol solution.

BIOTREE Kaltenborn

Autumn 2011

Earthworms

Variables of interest are: Species, Biomass (g), Number (m²), Biomass (g/m²). Number (m²) and Biomass (g/m²) are scaled up numbers of the original caught individual and biomass in a particular sampling method. Attention! Corrections for slope of the sampled area however are not included.