Potential of Earthworm Burrows to Transmit Injected Animal Wastes to Tile Drains

Abstract

Subsurface injection of animal manure is a best management practice (BMP) that reduces odors and promotes efficient nutrient usage. In tile‐drained fields, however, injected wastes have been observed emerging from tile outlets shortly after application. This appears to be a particular concern in no‐till fields where Lumbricus terrestris L. are often numerous. Our objective was to determine if burrows created by this earthworm species can contribute to rapid movement of injected wastes to tile drains. A turbine blower was used to force smoke into a 0.6 m‐deep tile line in a no‐till field and 20 burrows 0.02 to 0.5 m from the tile that emitted smoke, and 18 burrows 0.8 to 4.7 m from the tile that did not produce smoke were flagged. A Mariotte device filled with dyed water was then used to measure infiltration rate for each burrow. Afterwards, plastic replicas of the burrows were made so their proximity to the tile and geometrical properties could be determined. Average infiltration rate for smoke‐emitting burrows (128 mL min−1) was twice that of the more distant burrows. Moreover, dyed water was observed in the tile when added to smoke‐emitting burrows, but not when added to burrows that did not produce smoke. Thus, earthworm burrows in close proximity to tile lines may expedite transmission of injected wastes offsite. Movement of injected wastes to tiles via earthworm burrows and other preferential flow paths may be reduced by using precision farming to avoid waste application near tile lines or by modifying application procedures.

Occurrence of Tylosin-Resistant Enterococci in Swine Manure and Tile Drainage Systems under No-Till Management

“…3). This can be explained by higher flows, primarily due to the presence of base flow of 29.9 L/h during fall, and perhaps other field conditions that differ between the two plots such as soil type, macropore continuity in soil system and antecedent soil moisture content (Shipitalo and Gibbs, 2000). Both soils of the two plots are classified as a loam, however, the Kenyon soil in plot 25 (spring simulation) usually occurs on convex ridge crests or side slopes which may result in low moisture while the Floyd soil in plot 20 (fall simulation) are often found in the lower sides of slopes (USDA and NRCS, 1995).…”

“…Antibiotic-resistant bacteria from manure sources can move into soil and contaminate water via preferential flow through soil macropores such as cracks, holes formed by plant roots or earthworms or other voids in the soil (Shipitalo and Gibbs, 2000), and fractures in karsts areas (Auckenthaler et al, 2002) Transport via macropores is considered one of the main pathways for bacteria to move into subsurface waters and possibly groundwater (Abu-Ashour et al, 1998;Beven and Germann, 1982).…”

Effects of Biosolids and Manure Application on Microbial Water Quality in Rural Areas in the US

“…Pathogens contained in biosolids include viruses, bacteria, and animal and human parasites (protozoa and helminthes), which may cause various human diseases and illnesses [24,32]. The characteristics and properties of biosolids vary depending on the quality and origin of sludge, along with the type of treatment processes [33][34][35]. Incomplete destruction, contamination from external sources, and changes in environmental factors during storage can lead to regrowth or reactivation of pathogens.…”

E. coliFate and Transport in Macroporous Soils: Short-Circuiting to the Subsurface

“…In one of the drainage plots (continuous soybean, no-till, Floyd loam soil), smoke tests similar to those reported in Shipitalo and Gibbs (2000) were conducted to identify and flag any macropores having direct connection to the subsurface drains. Smoke was injected at the outlet of the subsurface drain and pumped into the tile line.…”

“…But how are directly connected macropores formed? Shipitalo and Gibbs (2000) observe macropores created by deep burrowing species of earthworms (Anecic) in a silt loam soil that allow water to transfer directly to subsurface drains. Their research included the use of smoke injected into drain lines to observe transmission to the soil surface.…”