Earthworm burrow system development assessed by means of X-ray computed tomography

Being non-destructive, X-ray computed tomography allows to study the development of earthworm burrow systems with time. Column experiments were carried out with the endogeic earthworm species Octolasium cyaneum. The columns (30 cm high, 12 cm wide), filled with loess soil, were scanned after 14, 21 and 92 days. The subsequent three-dimensional analysis of the burrow system revealed the pattern of burrowing and the degree of burrow continuity.