Observations on some effects of pasture spraying with benomyl and carbendazim on earthworm activity and litter removal from pasture

Abstract

Benomyl (560 g a. i. /ha) and carbendazim (560 g a. i. /ha) were sprayed on a ryegrass-white clover, sheep-grazed pasture on 14 March 1974. On 2 May 1974, benomyl, carbendazim, and control plots averaged 17.7, 24.2, and 86. 3 g dry wt. earthworm casts/2500 cm², respectively; and 11.8, 10.8, and 7.6 g dry wt. litter/22.9 cm², respectively. Differences in amounts of litter present are attributed, in part, to differences in earthworm feeding activity.