**2.4 pH**

pH is a vital factor that determines the distribution of earthworms as they are sensitive to the hydrogen ion concentration (Edwards and Bohlen, 1996; Chalasani *et al.,* 1998). pH and factors related to pH influence the distribution and abundance of earthworms in soil (Staaf, 1987). Several workers have stated that most species of earthworms prefer soils with a neutral pH (Jairajpuri, 1993; Edwards and Bohlen, 1996). There is a significant positive correlation between pH and the seasonal abundance of juveniles and young adults (Reddy and Pasha, 1993).
