Field

Material :

• Spade
• White plastic container for earthworms sorting

Time needed:

Around 1 hour per sample (depending on how many people)

Procedure:

1. Randomly select one sample site per management area
2. Label these points with numbers, letters or names both physically (e.g. using marking sticks) and on your site map so that you are able to come back to them again for taking subsequent measurements.
3. Measure a 30×30 cm square plot (NOTE: avoid sampling where earthworm populations might be affected i.e. mulch or compost piles).
4. Dig down to 30 cm with a shovel, minimizing damage to the earthworms.
5. Count number of earthworms (against pale-coloured background to help locate them): You may need to break apart clods to find them. Look through the soil from the top to the bottom, you can sort the earthworms into small and large earthworms to keep a record of what is in your soil.
6. Record yearly counts for each of the zones/sample sites in the table below
7. Rinse earthworms in water and return them to the soil.