Survey of earthworms in the Ifugao Rice Terraces, Philippines

Issue Date

1999

Abstract

This paper analyzes the earthworm pest problem in the Ifugao Rice Terraces (IRT), Philippines. Earthworm species in the IRT were documented and identified. Farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on the extent and nature of the problem caused by the earthworms; the earthworms' history, their seasonality, and current control measures were recorded. Of 150 farmer- respondents interviewed, 125 farmers ranked earthworms as the most important pest of terraced rice fields. The majority of the farmers reported that earthworms bore holes into the terrace walls, and caused water seepage, resulting in their erosion. Dominant terrace-dwelling earthworm pest species were Polypheretima elongata (Perrier) and an unidentified large earthworm species belonging to either Pheretima or Metaphire. Other earthworm species were Pontoscolex corethrurus (Fr. Muller), Phitemera bicincta (Perrier), and Amynthas diffringens (Baird). Four non-terrace dwelling eathworm genera were also identified: Polypheretima n. sp.; Pheretima n. sp.; and two species of Pleinogaster. Of all the terrace-dwelling species, only P. corethrurus was present in the forest areas. To contain the earthworm population in the rice terraces, it is recommended that during land preparation the rice field be flooded, screens be placed at the water outlets, and compacting embankments where water seepage occurs be constructed. Proper water management during and after transplanting will further reduce earthworm population build-up. Tilling the soil after harvesting also kills earthworm and exposes them to predation and dehydration. Among the indigenous methods of control are the use of wild sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia), bark of pojgi (an evergreen tree found along rivers and brooks in Ifugao), and seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica).

Source or Periodical Title

Journal of Environmental Science and Management

ISSN

0119-1144

Volume

2

Issue

2

Page

1-12

Document Type

Article

College

School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

map, tables, pictures

Language

English

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