Habitat preferences of selected Indian earthworm species and their efficiency in reduction of organic materials

An extensive survey was conducted during 1992–1993 in the Varanasi region to identify the most common species of earthworms which could be utilized for improving soil fertility and garbage decomposition. Eleven species of earthworms (Metaphire posthuma, Lampito mauritii, Eutyphoeus incommodus, Eutyphoeus nicholsoni, Eutyphoeus waltoni, Octochaetona surensis, Ramiella bishambari, Drawida calebi, Glyphidrilus sp., Dichogaster bolaui and Amynthas morrisi) were identified for the first time from this region. Among these L. mauritii, E. incommodus, E. nicholsoni, O. surensis and D. bolaui were very common and abundant species in each of the habitats sampled. D. bolaui, L. mauritii and E. incommodus were identified as major potential species and results suggest utilization of these species in soil fertility programmes.