014 Vermicage to observe drilospheres

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014 VERMICAGE TO OBSERVE DRILOSPHERES
The anecic (intermediates or subsurface dwellers)
and the endogeic (burrowers) earthworms create
burrows in the soils. These burrows called
drilospheres are a haven for microorganisms and
also facilitate soil air.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
2 glass plates 30 cm x 20 cm Styrofoam
(thermocol) or wooden frame Some bricks (for
support) Gravel, sand, soil, Cattle-dung pats,
straw, earthworms and water
VERMICAGE
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Keep the 2 glass plates one facing the other with
1 cm gap between them. Keep these in position
using styrofoam or wood. Introduce small gravel,
sand, soil between these 2 glass plates and water
it to make the soil moist. Then introduce local
earthworms, and add some dung pats straw. If
necessary keep the unit covered with a dark
cloth. Your vermicage is ready.
3
earthworms
Observe the unit everyday. Soon you will notice
earthworms, moving up and down the cage creating
burrows in the soil. Notice the burrows. These
burrows provide a place for a large number
of beneficial microorganisms that help in plant
growth. These burrows constitute the
drilospheres in the soil.
drilospheres