Soil samples were collected at 0–15 cm depth from the
location of maximum earthworm occurrence with a metal shovel
and composite soil samples were prepared for physico-chemical
analysis. Soil samples were air dried, ground with mortar and
pastle and sieved with 1 and 2 mm sieves. Sieved soil samples
were analysed for their moisture (gravimetric wet weight method),
pH (1: 2.5 dilution method) and soil organic matter content (Walkley
and Black, 1934) and texture (feel method). Soil temperatures were
recorded in situ at each sample plot at a depth of 15 cm.