Summary
Earthworms redistribute organic materials within the soil, increase soil penetrability and, under certain conditions, influence ion transport in soils. Root distribution may be modified and microbial activity increased by their burrowing and feeding activities. Earthworms influence the supply of nutrients in several ways. Not only is earthworm tissue and cast material enriched in certain nutrients, relative to the soil matrix, but ingestion of organic material increases the rate of cycling. Certain farm-management practices, such as cultuvation and the use of acidic fertilizers, reduce the ability of earthworm to improve plant growth. Where other inorganic fertilizers increase the growth of plants, an increase in earthworm numbers can be expected because of the increased food supply. Lime, in particular, and possibly drainage also increase earthworm activity. Further research is required on the physical and biological effects of earthworms on nutrient supply, so that suitable management practices can be developed to optimise the beneficial effects of earthworms on soil fertility.
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© 1984 Martinus Nijhoff/Dr W. Junk Publishers, The Hague
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Syers, J.K., Springett, J.A. (1984). Earthworms and soil fertility. In: Tinsley, J., Darbyshire, J.F. (eds) Biological Processes and Soil Fertility. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, vol 11. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6101-2_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6101-2_8
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