Analytical Methods:Worm Granules

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Contents 1 Earthworm Granules 1.1 Questions 1.2 Sampling 1.3 Analysis 1.4 Data and interpretation 1.5 References 1.6 Related techniques

[edit] Earthworm Granules

Summary table

Scale	Laboratory technique
Questions	Identification of buried soils and an indication of the degree of past bioturbation
Samples and Storage	Bulk samples of known volume are required, because the granules are carbonates soils shouldn't be stored wet in sealed bags as the build up of carboxylic acid could attack them
Time and cost
General comments	Granules only survive in neutral or alkaline soils or deposits

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

[edit] 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

[edit] Sampling

[edit] Analysis

[edit] Data and interpretation

[edit] References

[edit] Related techniques

• Field assessment of earthworm numbers
• Micromorphology