Response of Three Wetland Plants Growth and Nutrient Distribution to Earthworms in Constructed Wetland System

Abstract:

The response of growth characteristics (tillering number, plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, and leaf width), and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentration of three wetland plants to the introduction of earthworms in a constructed wetland (CW) was investigated under greenhouse conditions. The growth characteristics, and N and P concentration of wetland plants were influenced by earthworms. The addition of earthworms enhanced three wetland plants growth, especially benefiting to the flower formation of the C. indica. The addition of earthworms to CW, the increased rate of plant height, stem diameter, leaf length, and leaf width could be summarized as follows: C. indica > P. australis > T.augustifolia. N and P concentration of Stems, leaves and flowers of wetland plants was increased by addition of earthworms into constructed wetland, and N and P concentration distributed in wetland plants followed the order of flowers> leaves > stems. The N and P removal rate could be enhanced by addition of earthworms into constructed wetland.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 178-181)
• Pages: 1030-1035
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.178-181.1030
• Online since: May 2012
• Authors: De Fu Xu, Ying Xue Li, Hua Fang, Xiao Li Zhao, Yi Dong Guan
• Keywords: Eisenia foetida, Growth, Nutrient Distribution, Wetland Plant

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