Do Earthworms Truly Always Assist Farmers or is There Another Fact ?

Authors

  • Pooja Tiwari
     Department of Zoology, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar 470003, Madhya Pradesh
  • Shweta Yadav
     Department of Zoology, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Sagar 470003, Madhya Pradesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v123/i2S/2023/172547

Keywords:

Exotic earthworms, disturbance, native earthworms, colonization of species, biological invasion, competition.

Abstract

Among all the soil creatures, earthworms are regarded as the most crucial. They are found in the areas where the soil contains enough water and temperature. They also exhibit a variety of environmental adaptations to the various environments. Earthworms may live in local microsites, even in unsuitable areas, when the conditions are favorable (such as urban gardens, desert oasis, etc.), especially if well-adapted species have been introduced. Despite the fact that earthworms have many positive effects on the soil ecology, certain of their activities are deemed undesirable. The destructive behaviors of earthworms include removing and burying surface residues that would otherwise protect soil surfaces from erosion, producing fresh casts that promote erosion and surface sealing, increasing soil compaction on the surface, leaving castings on lawns where they are an annoyance, dispersing weed seeds in gardens and agricultural fields, transmitting plant or animal pathogens, and riddling irrigation canals that reduce their ability to function. Although being little understood, there is a surge in exotic earthworm invasions as a result of worldwide commerce in agriculture, waste management, and bioremediation. Exotic earthworm invasions are spreading globally and having a significant impact on plant populations and soil processes. It has been documented that at least 100 different species of earthworms are found outside of their natural habitats. Non-native earthworms can potentially colonize new places despite disturbance and interference. The present study discusses on the impact of invasive earthworms on the agroecosystem and analyzes the importance of earthworms in all soil ecosystems.

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Published

2023-07-01

How to Cite

Tiwari, P., & Yadav, S. (2023). Do Earthworms Truly Always Assist Farmers or is There Another Fact ?. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 123(2S), 565–572. https://doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v123/i2S/2023/172547

Issue

Volume 123, Issue 2S, Special Issue 2023

Section

Articles
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