Effects of fungicides and insecticides on feeding behavior and community dynamics of earthworms: Implications for casting control in turfgrass systems

▶ We examined impact of pesticides on earthworm behavior in the lab and in the field. ▶ Single application of Sevin and Merit significantly inhibited earthworm feeding. ▶ Pesticide toxicity to earthworms increased with increasing frequency of application. ▶ In the field, multiple applications of T-methyl and Sevin reduced earthworm activities. ▶ Earthworm surface activity in the turf may be temporarily managed via applying pesticides.