Earthworms: architects of fertile soils
Problem
Soil compaction and depletion
Solution
Provides recommendations in soil tillage and fertilization practices to promote earthworms
Description
This technical guide shows the impact of earthworms on soil quality, their interactions with other soil organisms and the influence of farming practices on their population. The guide is directed to all farmers, aiming to understand the detrimental effects of heavy machinery, intensive tillage and use of pesticides. It provides an overview of the biology, ecology and multiple services of earthworms and recommendations of their promotion in agricultural systems. The leaflet points out how earthworms maintain ecosystem services (aeriation, water infiltration, biocontrol, nutrient supply) and how they benefit from soil fertility and vice-versa. Agricultural practices are proposed to enhance earthworms as alternative to intensive soil tillage and the use of ploughs, to minimize ground pressure and soil compaction. A farmer can find therefore practical advice on adequate tillage periods, machinery, soil conditions, adapted fertilization and diversification of crop rotation. Finally, a method for estimating earthworms in a soil offers a quick self-assessment of the state of soil quality on a particular crop. Link: http://orgprints.org/30567/1/1629-earthworms.pdf
OK-Net Arable – Organic Knowledge Network Arable
Ongoing | 2015-2018
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Belgium