The study of earthworm distribution in three study sites of phek and Kohima district, Nagaland

This study aims to examine earthworm distribution and its correlation with soil physicochemical properties across different habitats. Sampling was conducted monthly for six months (September 15, 2023 – February 17, 2024) in Zhavame (Phek) and Puliebadze (Kohima), covering forest, vegetable garden, and grassland sites. The collection of earthworms was done by hand sorting and preserved in 4% formalin for further species identification. Analyzation of soil parameters like organic carbon (OC), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), soil moisture, pH, and temperature were done. Ten earthworm species from four families (Megascolecidae, Moniligastridae, Octochaetidae, Lumbricidae) were recorded. Earthworm population was higher in Zhavame (125) as compared to Puliebadze (103). Relationship between earthworm abundance and soil parameters were indicated/showed using ANOVA. Earthworm population showed a strong positive correlation with OC and P from all the sites, while in Puliebadze, potassium and soil moisture showed no significance. Soil pH has a negative correlation with earthworm abundance in forest sites while other parameter has a positive correlation. These findings showed the importance of OC and P in earthworm distribution, with variation across habitats.