Role of earthworm in sustainable agriculture
A sustainable agriculture is one which depletes neither the people nor the soil.
Have you heard about sustainable agriculture? Of course, you have. Everybody is pretending to work for sustainable agriculture. The extensive use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers to boost crop yields may have resulted in good yields and productivity, but it has caused the efficiency of the soil to deteriorate throughout the world day-by-day. This modern agricultural practice has caused a steep fall in the biodiversity (above and below the ground) associated with cropland ecosystems. The fast depleting ecological system is predicting an alarming scenario for the survival of future generations. Rampant wastage of natural resources and irresponsible use of pesticides are among the critical reasons for this decline. Hence, a sustainable solution is in need, and earthworms could be the one. Earthworms are the major soil inhabitants. They have the capacity to maintain the fertility of the soil and hence play a key role in sustainability.
Earthworms can be divided into four groups, called ecotypes, each of which describes a different ecological grouping based on its behavior.
Compost earthworms
As their name would suggest, these are most likely to be found in compost, or areas very rich in rotting vegetation. They prefer a warm and moist environment. They can very rapidly consume this material and also reproduce very quickly, so they always crave for a ready supply of decomposable materials. They are bright red in color with stripes. A common example is Eisenia foetida (redworm, manure worm) which is used in vermicomposting.
Epigeic earthworms
Epigeic earthworms live on the surface of the soil in leaf litter. These species tend not to make burrows but live in and feed on the leaf litter.
Endogeic earthworms
Endogeic earthworms live in and feed on the soil. They make horizontal burrows through the soil to move around and to feed and they will reuse the burrows to a certain extent. Some can burrow very deeply in the soil.
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| Allolobophora chlorotica |
Anecic earthworms
Anecic earthworms make permanent vertical burrows in the soil. They feed on leaves on the soil surface that they drag into their burrows. They also cast on the surface, and these casts can quite often be seen in grasslands.
Soil forms the basis for all agricultural production. An integral part of every healthy soil is its living component, consisting of a complex food web of soil organisms that country, via their activities and interactions, to the processes that support soil fertility. This is recognized in the concept of 'Functional agro-biodiversity' (FAB) where particular focus is given to groups of soil organisms that are or could be, useful in supporting agricultural production. Earthworms are one of the most important soil animals; they have the capability to maintain the fertility of the soil and therefore play a key role in sustainability. They are also known as Farmer's friend, Ploughman of the field, intestines of the earth, ecological engineers, and biological indicators. Earthworms are functionally very important and diverse, and therefore potentially useful for the management of the biodiversity and ecosystem services. The activities of earthworms ensuring the sustainability of agriculture are enlisted below:
- Earthworms maintain the physio-chemical properties of the soil by converting biodegradable materials and organic wastages into nutrient-rich products, emerging from their burrows to deposit the fecal matter on the surface.
- Earthworms stimulate microbial activity, mix and aggregate the soil, soil water content, and water holding capacity.
- The mutual action of the earthworms and microbes brings faster decomposition and enhances the surface area of the organic matter for microbial action.
- They also increase the litter decomposition, soil organic matter dynamics, nitrogen cycles, promote plant growth, and reduce some soil-borne diseases.
- Earthworm burrows act as the channel for plant growth and as pathways for root elongation.
- They make the soil porous, increasing the water infiltration rate, and reducing soil erosion. Various studies also report that earthworms are able to convert barren land into fertile land and increase agricultural output.
- Vermicompost and vermiwash produced from various organic waste with the help of different earthworm species play an important role in organic agricultural system i.e sustainable, eco-friendly farming, nutrient availability, pest protection, and soil fertility improvement. The presence of humic acids and plant growth hormones in the vermicast can increase crop yield in both natural as well as managed ecosystems.
The individual impact of earthworm on the soil and their interactions with other soil organism groups is of greater potential. A method yo quantify the ecosystem service earthworm bioturbation, the translocation of soil due to earthworm burrowing and feeding can be used as a long-needed proxy for comparing the impact of earthworms in different agro-ecosystems. Hence, it is vital that these little creatures in the soil are preserved at any cost to ensure they continue to provide their invaluable services to mankind and wave a path towards sustainable agriculture.
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Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting is the process of harnessing earthworms to break down organic waste, producing a nutrient-rich, organic fertilizer, and a compost byproduct. The worm manure, otherwise known as worm castings or vermicompost is rich in minerals, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms essential for healthy plant growth and disease suppression. Due to this its nutritional superiority, it is often referred to as 'Black Gold'.
According to Charles Darwin,
Worms are powerful than African Elephant and are more important to the economy than the cattle.
There are several benefits of the worm casting which are traced below:
- It is the only fresh manure not to scorch plants and seeds can be shown directly.
- They release the nutrients slowly when required by the plant.
- It holds up to 50% of moisture, building resilience against drought and heavy rainfall.
- It also contains beneficial fungus eating nematodes.
When we plant any crop we carry out various management operations for better yield. Those practices are very helpful to the crops but may not be such to the soil organisms. Soil organisms including earthworms are affected by certain management operations.
- Earthworms are not favored by the tillage and in general greater the intensity and frequency of the disturbance, the lower the population of the earthworm.
- Earthworms are dependent on the soil moisture and cultivation has a negative impact on earthworm reducing the soil moisture.
- A study found that manure was optimum for increased earthworm abundance and biomass.
- Organic mulches enhance earthworm habitat by moderating microclimate and supplying a food source.
- The effect of agricultural pesticides on the earthworm depends on the chemical used. Herbicides tend to have low toxicity for earthworms but can cause a reduction in population. Fungicides are very toxic to earthworms.
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| Earthworms from the kitchen garden |
No matter what we have to carry out the management operations for the betterment of the plants. Some operations are much essential while the least one could be reduced. Instead of pesticides and fungicides, we could use organic manures which will increase the earthworm population. Like this, there are many such activities that could be done to enhance the populations of the earthworms. There are many creative ways in which a farmer can manage for the earthworms.
- The first thing we should know is the ecotypes of the earthworm present and their abundance. Endogeic species are most commonly found but their presence mixed with anecic species could be more beneficial.
- Direct inoculation of the earthworm is possible, but transferring the soil lump from the land with more population works better. And don't forget, it is important to know which species to be introduced.
- One management idea is to set aside a small area of the land for introducing the desired species of the earthworm.
- Reduce the excessive use of chemicals and start using the organic manures which is the best way to increase the earthworm population and their activities.
- The vermicomposting setup should be established in each house and schools as other possible areas so that the vermicompost would benefit all and people shall know the importance of the earthworm.
The nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.
People are not aware of the importance of earthworms. And it is the responsibility of the aware people to make them understand what earthworms are doing for us. People are not taking this matter seriously. Let me give you an example, I am studying Agriculture science, and I and my vlogger friend, who is also an agriculture aspirant, went to some farmers to find out how much they know about the importance of earthworms and make some videos on that subject. They didn't know much and when we intend to enlighten them, they didn't take us seriously. When I said we have to love them, protect them; they said," yes, we have to protect them. It's difficult for us to find the earthworm for bait while we go fishing." They said it as a joke but it shows the actual status of earthworm that the number is declining and measures ought to be taken fast.
If the needs of the earthworms are met, the land becomes, as if by magic, more fertile. They may not be cute, but the work they do for our soil keeps humans in business. But their number is in steep decline. We must understand these worms are allies, not enemies. And if we are imagining the sustainable future of food, then keep it in mind earthworms are the one. Like bees, earthworms need love, too.
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