Characteristics of Soil Moisture and Evaporation under the Activities of Earthworms in Typical Anthrosols in China

Abstract

Earthworms have an important influence on the terrestrial ecological environment. This study assesses the effect of different earthworm densities on soil water content (SWC) and evaporation in a laboratory experiment. Four earthworm densities (0 no-earthworm, control [C]; 207 earthworms m−2, low density [LDE]; 345 earthworms m−2, medium density [MDE]; and 690 earthworms m−2, high density [HDE]) are tested in soil columns. Results show that cumulative evaporation occurs in the decreasing order of densities: C (98.6 mm) > LDE (115.8 mm) > MDE (118.4 mm) > HDE (124.6 mm). Compared with the control, earthworm activity decreases cumulative soil evaporation by 5.0–20.9%, increases soil temperature to 0.46 °C–0.63 °C at 8:00, and decreases soil temperature to 0.21 °C–0.52 °C at 14:00 on the soil surface. Temperature fluctuations reduce with increasing earthworm densities. A negative correlation is found between cumulative soil evaporation and earthworm density (R2 = 0.969, p < 0.001). Earthworms significantly (p < 0.05) decrease the surface SWC loss (0–20 cm) soil layer but increase the subsoil SWC loss (60–100 cm) by adjusting the soil temperature and reducing soil water evaporation. Earthworm activities (burrows, casts…) improve the soil water holding ability by adjusting soil temperature and reducing soil water evaporation. Thus, the population quantity of earthworms may provide valuable ecosystem services in soil water and heat cycles to save water resources and realize sustainable agricultural development.

Soil aggregate organic carbon and clover root characteristics as affected by earthworms (Metaphire guillelmi)

“…Furthermore, they influence the soil aggregate formation by secreting a large amount of mucus (Scullion & Malik, 2000), which influences the soil physical and chemical properties (Spurgeon et al, 2013). Generally, large earthworms form large soil aggregates, whereas smaller earthworms destroy macroaggregates and excrete smaller aggregates (Blanchart et al, 1997; Blouin et al, 2013; Ma et al, 2020). The inoculation earthworms from South America significantly ( p < 0.05) promoted the formation of macroaggregates, while Eisenia foetida mainly promoted the formation of small aggregates ( p < 0.05).…”

“…The grass-clover leys could improve earthworms numbers and soil quality within 1 year.Studies have shown that the ecological functions of earthworms are positively correlated with their biomass Miriam et al (2017). found that enzyme activity, microbial biomass and nutrients were increased through promotion of earthworms populations in the subsoil Ma et al (2020). suggested the quantity of earthworms population might provide valuable services in the soil micro-ecosystem.…”

Kajian Kerapatan dan Keragaman Organisme Tanah Gambut di Bawah Tegakan Tanaman Kelapa Sawit Menghasilkan

“…Minnich (1997) menyebutkan bahwa pada kelembaban yang terlalu tinggi atau terlalu banyak air, cacing tanah cenderung lebih sedikit dan berpindah ke bagian tanah dengan tempat pertukaran udara (aerasi) lebih baik. Lebih lanjut, Ma et al (2020) menyatakan bahwa cacing tanah juga berperan dalam memperbaiki kapasitas tanah memegang air, dan mengurangi evaporasi air tanah. Wu et al, (2017) Hal ini terjadi karena cacing tanah mengambil oksigen dari udara bebas untuk pernafasannya melalui kulit.…”

Application of Earthworm Manure (EWM) and NPK Fertilizer to Improve the Quality of Acid Sulphate Soil (ASS) as a Sweet Corn (Zea mays L) Cultivation Land in North Sumatra, Indonesia

“…Estimation is based on empirical data collected that EWM can play a role in improving the quality of ASS through improving its the ability to retain water, provide nutrients for plants, improve soil structure and neutralize soil pH. This role is believed to occur because the EWM structure has spaces that are able to absorb and store water which helps it to maintain soil moisture [1,14,15]. With this role, EWM has the potential as an alternative agrobiotechnology product to improve the quality of ASS and add nutrients, especially to substitute and utilize NPK efficiently.…”