Effects of Energy Crop Monocultures and Sewage Sludge Fertiliser on Soils and Earthworm Community Attributes

Abstract

Biomass is one of the most significant renewable energy sources. Doubts arise from large-area plantations of energy monocultures, which can lead to the depletion of, and a decrease in, soil biodiversity. Community association analyses of Lumbricidae may help to indicate environmental change. Therefore, the study objectives were to determine the qualitative and quantitative diversity of Lumbricids in plantations of energy crops—basket willow (Salix viminalis L.), foxglove tree (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)—by investigating the following cultivation treatments: SV and SVSS—S. viminalis without (w/o) and with the addition of sewage sludge to the soil (+SS); PT and PTSS—P. tomentosa w/o and + SS; RP and RPSS—R. pseudoacacia w/o and +SS; and MW—meadow community. A significantly higher density (p < 0.05) and biomass (p < 0.05) of earthworms were found in the SV and SVSS plantations than in other sites. The application of sewage sludge contributed to a significant increase in the mean number and biomass of all Lumbricids within cultivations of S. viminalis and R. pseudoacacia, which were significantly higher than those in the control site. This work suggests that woody energy crop production with an appropriate selection of plants and fertilisation can be a favourable habitat for the development of earthworm populations.

Comparative Effects of No-dig and Conventional Cultivation with Vermicompost Fertilization on Earthworm Community Parameters and Soil Physicochemical Condition

“…At all study sites, two species were classified as eudominants (A. caliginosa and A. rosea), two species as dominants (L. rubellus and O. lacteum), and one species each as subdominants (D. rubidus) and recedents (L. terrestris) (Table 2). Other ongoing studies of Lumbricidae groupings in agricultural of Southeast Poland report the occurrence of six to seven earthworm species in arable fields and permanent grassland [39] and five species in energy crops [40,41]. The number of six earthworm species recorded in the present study is small, considering that Rodriguez et al [42] found 12 species in their study in areas with different intensifications of crop cultivation.…”

Valorization of sorghum ash with digestate and biopreparations in the development biomass of plants in a closed production system of energy

“…Ecological application of this ash in agriculture becomes more and more desired due to the increasing amount of biomass burned for energy purposes. This increase is in line with the global trend of reducing the use of fossil fuels and replacing them with renewable sources, including plant biomass fertilized with natural fertilizers [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] . The use of biomass in energy production is one of the global priorities in the field of pro-environmental activities.…”