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Investigating the Effects of Compost on the Distribution of Invasive Worms

Investigating the Effects of Compost on the Distribution of Invasive Worms. Introduction:

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Investigating the Effects of Compost on the Distribution of Invasive Worms

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  1. Investigating the Effects of Compost on the Distribution of Invasive Worms Introduction: Earthworms are members of the phylum Annelida, they are composed of two segments and live in burrows found in the ground. They are detritivores, eating only decomposing plant and animal matter. This behaviour can remove detrimental amounts of nutrients from the forest floor. The Fraser Valley was once glaciated and therefore has no native species of worms. This invasion has lead to a decrease in the health of the forests. By Samantha Hamilton, Jacqueline Stromsten, Nicole Waltz, and Gavin Noa Discussion: The two plots analyzed, one with compost vs. one without, both had the same same moisture content of 1 with the same thickness, 3 cm, of leaf litter along the forest floor. The experimental difference between these two plots was the presence of composted matter. The decomposing plant material lead to an increased number of juvenile worms. Recommendations for controlling the presence of worms in the forest include decreasing the amount of compost in forested areas, as the worms are attracted to the increased nutrient levels and could result in the decreased quality of the forests and impact the overall health of the extire ecosystem. Materials and Methods: Ground yellow mustard was mixed into a solution with water. Two seperate five meter by five meter plots were measured out and the adult tree species identified, as well as the moisture content and the canopy cover being recorded. The two plots were classified as one having a composted layer and the other being undisturbed forest. The thickness of the duff layer was measured as it was removed to reveal the soil. A plot of 30cm by 30 cm, where the mustard solution was poured onto the surface to drown and irritate the worms to force them to the surface. Objectives: To discover whether worm populations are effected by compost found in a wooded area. By extracting the worms from a plot with a mustard solution.

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