Causal organism:
3 major species most closely associated with casting:
Lumbricus terrestris
Apporectodea caliginosa
Apporectodea longa
| Problem |
Earthworm casts |
| Host Grass Types |
All turf types |
| Symptons |
Some species of earthworms leave casts on the turf surface and this can have a negative impact on the performance and quality of the turf (unevenness, deterioration under traffic, weed invasion, mole activity) |
Background information
- Earthworms have an important role in helping to aerate soils, reducing compaction, improving water penetration and infiltration rates, processing organic matter and reducing thatch
- Earthworms come to the surface under moist soil conditions (e.g. in late autumn and winter) and retreat downward in dry weather
- Earthworm casting is increased: if grass clippings are returned, or when organic fertilizers are used, in case of liming or using of alkaline water for irrigation
Management strategy to reduce the likelihood of attack
- Reduce thatch in programmed approach to minimise food source for earthworms
- Minimal use of organic amendments
- Lower soil surface pH to discourage earthworm activity by using acidifying fertilizers
- Minimise amount of clippings returned to soil (organic material) by use of slow release fertilizers and/or Plant Growth Regulators
- Use sand top dressings to help create casts that scatter and disperse
- Brush or switch to disperse casts when dry
Preventative Strategy (Guidance Only)
