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Analyzing Earthworm Data
Collecting earthworm data opens opportunities for you to analyze your data. Analysis allows you to convert the raw data you have collected into numerical values. Methods of analysis often use mathematical equations to produce standard units or statistical units. Some of the most commonly used in earthworm studies are spatial analysis alongside more mathematical based density, biomass and diversity analysis. Analyzing your own data (or previous data) can add depth to your study and also adds another level of learning.
Remember, while there are several optional types of data, all the data we need from your study can be seen on the study data sheets. Analyzing your data can be of value to you but . Don’t be shy, submit what data you can given your goals and interest level!
We provide guides for calculating:
- Density - is the average number of earthworms per unit area, this is commonly given as the number of earthworms per square meter. To do this you need to have a count of earthworm numbers and the area in which these earthworms were collected.
- Diversity - measures how many earthworms species are present at your site an how numbers are distributed between these species. To do this you need to have a list of earthworm species with a count of the number of earthworms in each species category.
- Biomass - a measurement of the mass of earthworms present in the soil. This requires you to have collected and preserved earthworms.