Earthworms increase plant production: a meta-analysis

Groenigen, Jan Willem van; Lubbers, Ingrid M.; Vos, Hannah M.J.; Brown, G. G.; Deyn, Gerlinde B. De; Groenigen, Kees Jan van

doi:10.1038/srep06365

Cited by 469 publications

(329 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Earthworms act as a catalyst in enhancing the crop yield (Table 1), but their effect depends on the amount of crop residue, earthworm density and rate of fertilization 9 . However, they always provide materials and energy outputs which have monetary values.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Role of Earthworm in Improving Soil Structure and Functioning

Sharma¹,

Tomar²,

Chakraborty³

2017

Current Science

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Earthworms commonly occur within the soil. They alter physico-chemical and biological regimes of the soil through their activities, such as burrowing, casting, feeding and propagating, and therefore are known as 'ecosystem engineers'. Through their activities, they provide a number of ecosystem services which are ecologically and socio-economically important. This article reviews the role of earthworms in improving soil structural and functional properties, which serves as key determinants of soil ecosystem services and economic benefits for the farmers. A methodology of economic evaluation of the agro-ecosystem services provided by earthworms has been demonstrated. Further, the information gaps and future research have been discussed for ensuring sustainable agroecosystems management.

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

Role of Earthworm in Improving Soil Structure and Functioning

Sharma¹,

Tomar²,

Chakraborty³

2017

Current Science

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“…The positive effect of earthworms on plant growth and health (Brown et al, 1999;Scheu, 2003;Van Groenigen et al, 2014) is now well documented, and could be used in the development of alternative pest management strategies (Blouin et al, 2005;Senapati, 1992;Davoren, 1995, 1997;Wurst et al, 2008;Wurst, 2010;Yeates, 1981). However, further investigations of the mechanisms underlying this positive effect are required, to distinguish between the effects of earthworms on pathogens and their direct effects on plants.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2003; Van Groenigen et al, 2014), which could prevent infection. These mechanisms are likely toact in synergy.…”

Section: Eyespot Symptoms and Their Biological Control By Earthwormsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Indeed, the burial of crop residues and the rapid infiltration of water into soil are two processes stimulated by anecic earthworms (Bouché and Al-Addan, 1997). Moreover, many studies have shown that earthworms have a positive effect on plant growth (Brown et al, 1999;Scheu, 2003;Van Groenigen et al, 2014), which might improve plant resistance to disease. We hypothesized that these effects might also result in a lower incidence of eyespot in the presence of earthworms.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Biocontrol of eyespot disease on two winter wheat cultivars by an anecic earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris)

Bertrand

Blouin

Barot

et al. 2015

Applied Soil Ecology

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trol of eyespot disease on two winter wheat cultivars by an anecic earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris). Applied Soil Ecology, Elsevier, 2015Elsevier, , 96, pp.33 -41. <10.1016Elsevier, /j.apsoil.2015 Eyespot is a major fungal disease of winter wheat, mostly affecting the base of the stem. The development of biological control approaches, using organisms such as earthworms, represents a potential alternative strategy for eyespot control. In a greenhouse experiment, we analyzed the response of two wheat cultivars (Soissons and Aubusson) to the presence of the pathogenic fungus Oculimacula yallundae and the anecic earthworm Lumbricus terrestris, alone and in combination. We assessed necrosis frequency, necrosis severity, wheat biomass, resource allocation and soil mineral concentrations. Disease incidence was lower in the presence of earthworms: the frequency of necrosis was 44% lower for Soissons and 70% lower for Aubusson. Necrosis severity was also lower for both cultivars (50% lower for Soissons and 80% lower for Aubusson) in the presence of earthworms. Earthworms had no detectable effect on the shoot and root biomasses of plants exposed to the fungus, but they modified resource allocation between plant organs and nutrient translocation within the plant. Our results suggest that earthworms are a potentially effective biocontrol agent for eyespot, and we discuss the possible underlying mechanisms.

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“…In addition, Johnson-Maynard et al (2007) reported significantly higher earthworm densities in conservation tillage treatments as compared to conventional tillage in the annual cropping zone of the iPNW. Earthworms are important biological indicators of soil quality and can increase biodiversity and yields in managed systems (van Groenigen et al, 2014).…”

Section: Reduced Tillage and Crop Residue Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating Historic Agronomic and Policy Lessons with New Technologies to Drive Farmer Decisions for Farm and Climate: The Case of Inland Pacific Northwestern U.S.

Pan

Schillinger

Young

et al. 2017

Front. Environ. Sci.

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Climate-friendly best management practices for mitigating and adapting to climate change (cfBMPs) include changes in crop rotation, soil management and resource use. Determined largely by precipitation gradients, specific agroecological systems in the inland Pacific Northwestern U.S. (iPNW) feature different practices across the region. Historically, these farming systems have been economically productive, but at the cost of high soil erosion rates and organic matter depletion, making them win-lose situations. Agronomic, sociological, political and economic drivers all influence cropping system innovations. Integrated, holistic conservation systems also need to be identified to address climate change by integrating cfBMPs that provide win-win benefits for farmer and environment. We conclude that systems featuring short-term improvements in farm economics, market diversification, resource efficiency and soil health will be most readily adopted by farmers, thereby simultaneously addressing longer term challenges including climate change. Specific "win-win scenarios" are designed for different iPNW production zones delineated by water availability. The cfBMPs include reduced tillage and residue management, organic carbon (C) recycling, precision nitrogen (N) management and crop rotation diversification and intensification. Current plant breeding technologies have provided new cultivars of canola and pea that can diversify system agronomics Pan et al.Win-Win Scenarios for Farm and Climate and markets. These agronomic improvements require associated shifts in prescriptive, precision N and weed management. The integrated cfBMP systems we describe have the potential for reducing system-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by increasing soil C storage, N use efficiency (NUE) and by production of biofuels. Novel systems, even if they are economically competitive, can come with increased financial risk to producers, necessitating government support (e.g., subsidized crop insurance) to promote adoption. Other conservation-and climate change-targeted farm policies can also improve adoption. Ultimately, farmers must meet their economic and legacy goals to assure longer-term adoption of mature cfBMP for iPNW production systems.

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Earthworms increase plant production: a meta-analysis

Cited by 469 publications

References 37 publications

Role of Earthworm in Improving Soil Structure and Functioning

Role of Earthworm in Improving Soil Structure and Functioning

Biocontrol of eyespot disease on two winter wheat cultivars by an anecic earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris)

Integrating Historic Agronomic and Policy Lessons with New Technologies to Drive Farmer Decisions for Farm and Climate: The Case of Inland Pacific Northwestern U.S.

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