Analytical Methods:Worm Granules

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Earthworm Granules
Earthworms in calcareous soils secrete excess calcium as small granules of calcium carbonate.

Questions
Earthworm granules consist of distinctive aggregations of calcite crystals. These accumulate in the topsoil (A horizon) of calcareous and neutral soils and hence are good indicators of buried soils. As they are linked to earthworm activity they may also indicate past bioturbation when subsequent burial has sealed a deposit from the modern surface.
 * Case Study

Related techniques

 * Field assessment of earthworm numbers
 * Micromorphology

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