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VOL. 4, ISSUE 3 (2022)
Studies on the variability in earthworm’s morphometric features in relation to soil factors in Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria
Authors
Iboyi M O, Akogwu R D1, Yager G O, Ajayi R U
Abstract
Earthworms constitute one of the largest biological components of the soil among all animal biomass and are commonly referred as ecosystem engineers due to their lifestyle. The study was carried out in the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi between July through October, 2021 to determine the variability in morphometric of earthworms from four communities within the University. Four different sampling sites were chosen for the study with 20 sexually matured earthworm’s samples handpicked from each of these locations and their morphometric determined. Soil samples collected were also analysed for pH and organic matter content. Data obtained were analysed using ANOVA and correlation. From the result, the highest recorded mean value for all parameters studied is in samples collected from Ujam community. Samples from Animal’s Farm had the least mean values for both weight and length while samples from South Core had the least mean value for metamerism. The total weight of 20 earthworms sampled was 13002g, of all the locations sampled, Ujam community was more massive with 769.4g (mean weight 38.5 g) compared to the others. The least was from Animal’s Farm with 16.6 g (mean weight 0.83 g). ANOVA shows a significant difference between Weight (g) and Local (F=138.3 P=0.000). The total length from the study population was 2687.8 m. Earthworm sampled from animal farm were shorter in length (209.3 m; mean 10.5) compared to those from the other locations. Samples from Ujam community recorded the longest lengths (1237m: mean 61.9). However, there was a significant difference between Weight (g) and Local (F=129.00, P=0.000). Locations and segments were significant (F=20.78, Df=79, P=0.000) as samples from Ujam community had the highest number of segments of 7030 with a mean of 351.5 followed by the samples collected from middle core 6328 segments with a mean of 316.4. However, earthworms with the least number of segments were those from South Core (3960 with a mean of 198.0). Correlation exists between weight and segments (P=0.022), while weight and length show a very weak correlation (P=0.006). Although the pH of all soil samples is slightly acidic, organic matter content was highest in soil samples from Ujam community which probably explains the wide variable in morphometric of samples from this community compared to the other locations studied.
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Pages:119-124
How to cite this article:
Iboyi M O, Akogwu R D1, Yager G O, Ajayi R U "Studies on the variability in earthworm’s morphometric features in relation to soil factors in Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 4, Issue 3, 2022, Pages 119-124
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