Characteristics of macroporosity in a reduced tillage agroecosystem with manipulated earthworm populations: Implications for infiltration and nutrient transport

Lachnicht, Sharon L.; Parmelee, Robert W.; McCartney, Daryl; Allen, Michael F.

doi:10.1016/s0038-0717(96)00106-x

Cited by 47 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…This correlation was even stronger when only anecic species were considered in the analysis: 282 mm h −1 per 100 g of anecic m −2 (Bouché and Al-Addan 1997). In contrast, in a corn agroecosystem where earthworm populations were deliberately elevated, the infiltration rate did not vary (Lachnicht et al 1997).…”

mentioning

confidence: 83%

Earthworm services for cropping systems. A review

Bertrand

Barot

Blouin

et al. 2015

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

243

143

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Intensive agriculture is often criticized for negative impacts on environment and human health. This issue may be solved by a better management of organisms living in crop fields. Here, we review the benefits of earthworms for crops, and we present techniques to increase earthworm abundance. The major points are the following: (1) Earthworms usually improve soil structural stability and soil porosity and reduce runoff. (2) Earthworms modify soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrient cycling. Specifically, earthworms stabilize SOM fractions within their casts, and they also increase the mineralization of organic matter in the short term by altering physical protection within aggregates and enhancing microbial activity. (3) The positive correlation between earthworm abundance and crop production is not systematic, and contrasting effects on yields have been observed. Earthworms induce the production of hormone-like substances that improve plant growth and health. (4) Direct drilling increases earthworm abundance and species diversity, but the beneficial effect of reduced tillage depends upon the species present and tillage intensity. (5) Organic amendments enhance earthworm abundance. (6) Earthworms feeding at soil surface are the most exposed to pesticides and other agrochemicals. Finally, we discuss how to combine management practices, including inoculation, to increase the earthworm services. We conclude that using earthworm services in cropping systems has potential to boost agricultural sustainability.

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mentioning

confidence: 83%

Earthworm services for cropping systems. A review

Bertrand

Barot

Blouin

et al. 2015

Agron. Sustain. Dev.

243

143

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Longstanding evidence points to the positive increases in earthworm populations when amending soils with organic inputs. Along these same lines, increased plant productivity [9] is frequently cited, but with high abundance of large surface-continuous macropores associated with deep burrowing species [10] increased loss of nutrients through infiltration could occur [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Biochar on Earthworm Populations: A Review

Weyers

Spokas

2011

Applied and Environmental Soil Science

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Despite the overwhelming importance of earthworm activity in the soil system, there are a limited number of studies that have examined the impact resulting from biochar addition to soil. Biochar is part of the black carbon continuum of chemothermal converted biomass. This review summarizes existing data pertaining to earthworms where biochar and other black carbon substances, including slash-and-burn charcoals and wood ash, have been applied. After analyzing existing studies on black carbon, we identified that these additions have a range from short-term negative impacts to long-term null effects on earthworm population density and total biomass. Documented cases of mortality were found with certain biochar-soil combinations; the cause is not fully understood, but hypothesized to be related to pH, whether the black carbon is premoistened, affects feeding behaviors, or other unknown factors. With wood ashes, negative impacts were overcome with addition of other carbon substrates. Given that field data is limited, soils amended with biochar did not appear to cause significant long-term impacts. However, this may indicate that the magnitude of short-term negative impacts on earthworm populations can be reduced with time.

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“…As a matter of fact, these animals act on physicochemical properties such as structure (Gilot, 1967;Jungerius, 1999), carbon and nitrogen cycles (Al Houty, 1998;Burtelow et al, 1998) and hydroproperties by improving the drainage and aeration of the soils (Lachnicht et al, 1997;Mando et al, 1996). As a consequence of these actions on soils, termites and earthworms are considered as soil engineers (sensu Jones et al, 1994).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental manipulation of termites (Isoptera, Macrotermitinae) foraging patterns in a Sahelo-Sudanese savanna: effect of litter quality

et al. 2003

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The foraging pattern of four sympatric fungusgrowing termite species was followed for five months of the dry season in a semi-arid savanna (Senegal). Experimental plots were established with and without termites (exclusion with insecticide) and amended with different litter quality: Acacia leaves, millet canes, ground millet (<500 µm), Combretum wood and cattle manure. Results showed different foraging patterns between the fungus-growing species. Odontotermes nilensis, for example, rapidly developed its foraging activity on the litter. In contrast, Macrotermes subhyalinus delayed its foraging activity but, extensively collected the food after its discovery. Differences in food preference were evident between the termite species: Odontotermes nilensis foraged preferentially on millet, canes and Acacia leaves, Macrotermes subhyalinus preferred cane and ground millet. Ancistrotermes guineensis selected the millet, and Microtermes sp. was mostly recorded foraging on pieces of dead wood. Relationships between different foraging parameters were established to assess the relative intensity of this activity over the dry season. The comparison between untreated plots and plots treated with Fipronil® (Aventis) clearly demonstrated that the exclusion of termites from part of the savanna is possible and that this possibility can be used to study their role on the soil and organic matter cycle in situ.

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Characteristics of macroporosity in a reduced tillage agroecosystem with manipulated earthworm populations: Implications for infiltration and nutrient transport

Cited by 47 publications

References 18 publications

Earthworm services for cropping systems. A review

Earthworm services for cropping systems. A review

Impact of Biochar on Earthworm Populations: A Review

Experimental manipulation of termites (Isoptera, Macrotermitinae) foraging patterns in a Sahelo-Sudanese savanna: effect of litter quality

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