Microfloral abundance and enzymatic activity of Lumbricus rubellus Hoffm. (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) casts in peat meadow soils

The abundance of the main microfloral groups, and dehydrogenase and urease activity, in the casts of Lumbricus rubellus Hoffm. and in the 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm soil layers of drained peaty meadows were compared. The abundance of microorganisms in cast was significantly higher than in the soil, as was the level of enzyme activity. The difference was particularly marked in comparisons with the 5-10 cm soil layer. In the cases of fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes, the degree to which abundance was greater in casts was highest at sites where the abundance of microflora in the soil was low. The activity of the two enzymes was always higher in casts than in soil, and the difference was especially marked for the meadow on alder peat.