Earthworm services: an agrecological perspective Earthworm services

Abstract

Soil is the most biodiverse habitat on earth. Evidence shows that earthworms contribute to shaping the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems and agroecosystems. However, it is very well known and common to say earthworm (vermicompost and lixiviates) when there is a great diversity of earthworms found in the soil of various crops. In most tropical agroecosystems earthworms are the most abundant biomass and it has been suggested that domesticated plants have evolved together with earthworms. Also, earthworms have long shown to beneficially affect soil fertility and agricultural productivity. The overall objective is to review the invisible and silent role of earthworms “agroecosystem engineers” in the improving soil structure, there interaction with symbiont microorganism, mineralization and availability of nutrients, removal of contaminants, regulation of foliar herbivory and increase of crop yields. It is concluded that earthworms as a soil quality improver cannot be considered separately from agroecosystems. Therefore, their protection, promotion and management are suggested in order to manage, conserve and restore soil health and produce crops in a sustainable way.