Ten years on in earthworm trials

Earthworms are considered beneficial organisms in cropping systems as they aerate the soil, decompose organic matter and thatch layers and increase the availability of nutrients for plant uptake through deposition of nutrient‑rich fecal matter (casts) within the soil profile. However, their casts can be the bane of many turfgrass managers’ existence as they muddy the surface, damage mower reels and cause general thinning of the turf. Managing these organisms is of the utmost concern to turfgrass managers around the globe, though management is made difficult in that earthworms remain one of the most poorly understood groups of soil macrofauna. Further complicating matters is that no natural or synthetic compounds are registered for earthworm control, leaving turfgrass managers with only cultural practices to decrease casts.

Since 2014, our laboratory has investigated earthworm issues and cultural practices that could reduce castings or minimise disruption from casting. This class will provide attendees with an update on research trials and will also cover aspects of earthworm biology that may prove useful in reducing casts. The overview of the class will be centred on understanding earthworm biology, impacts of cultural practices (including effects of fertilisers, topdressing and thatch reduction programmes) and findings from soil surveys of Ireland and North America.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the population dynamics and environmental conditions that favour casting
• Develop a cultural pest management programme for suppressing casts
• Develop communication skills to educate golfers to the issues surrounding earthworms
• Identify adverse effects that certain turfgrass pest management programmes may have on earthworms

Presented by:

Dr Ben McGraw Ph.D

Associate Professor, Turfgrass Science Penn State University

Dr. Ben McGraw is an associate professor of Turfgrass Science and Program Coordinator of online and residential turfgrass academic programs at Penn State University. Ben specializes in insect and earthworm pest management. He obtained a Bachelors of Science from the University of Maine, his Master of Science degree in Entomology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a doctorate in Entomology from Rutgers University. Dr. McGraw’s appointment at Penn State includes teaching, research, and extension. His research program focuses on understanding pest ecology and behavior to develop sustainable management practices.