Blanchart Eric, Albrecht Alain, Chevallier Tiphaine, Hartmann Christian. (2004). The respective roles of roots and earthworms in restoring physical properties of vertisol under a Digitaria decumbens pasture (Martinique, WI). Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 103 (2), 343-355. ISSN 0167-8809.
Titre du document
The respective roles of roots and earthworms in restoring physical properties of vertisol under a Digitaria decumbens pasture (Martinique, WI)
Année de publication
2004
Auteurs
Blanchart Eric, Albrecht Alain, Chevallier Tiphaine, Hartmann Christian
In
Brossard Michel (ed.), Boddey R.M. (ed.), Blanchart Eric (ed.),
Source
Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 2004,
103 (2), 343-355 ISSN 0167-8809
Sloping Vertisols having large exchangeable sodium contents are erodible. In Martinique, French West Indies, intensive market gardening during 15 years decreased their organic matter content, biological activity (roots, earthworms, mesofauna, microorganisms),
soil porosity, and increased soil losses due to erosion. Conversely, old irrigated pastures (Digitaria decumbens, Pangola grass) on these soils maintained organic matter content, biological activity, soil porosity and aggregate stability. A research programme was set out in 1991
in the south-eastern part of Martinique in order to study the respective roles of grass roots and earthworms in the restoration of the properties of a degraded Vertisol. Plots with and without plants, with and without earthworms were tested and physical properties were followed
during 4 years and compared with properties existing under market crops and old pastures. The restoration of physical properties was more rapid and more important in treatments with plants than in treatments without plants. Plants played a dominant role through rhizosphere
effects and possible carbon rhizodeposition. The effect of earthworms was less important. Earthworms particularly increased the stability of aggregates of 200-500 ?m size, and decreased clay dispersion.
Plan de classement
Erosion et conservation des sols [068EROSOL]
Descripteurs
ERODIBILITE DU SOL ; CONSERVATION DU SOL ; PATURAGE ; PLANTE FOURRAGERE ; POROSITE ; RACINE ; LOMBRIC ; BIOMASSE ; STRUCTURE DU SOL ; PROPRIETE PHYSIQUE ; STABILITE STRUCTURALE ; AGREGAT ; ZONE TROPICALE HUMIDE
Description Géographique
MARTINIQUE
Localisation
Fonds IRD [F B010034036]
Identifiant IRD
fdi:010034039
