i)Converting plant residues to humus.
-Action of earthworm gastric system looks like that of mixing tube in compost processing.
-Earthworms mix the residues with the secreted materials which include useful materials and
microorganisms that improve compost properties producing better quality compost than that processed.
ii)Improving soil penetration to water.
-Earthworms increase number of channels in soil increasing the capacity of soil to absorb water, drain excess water.
-If earthworms are absent, techniques for improving penetration have to be carried out.
iii)Enhances soil mixing.
-Earthworms can improve soil properties by allowing better portion of air: water penetration: soil for higher growth rate of plants.
-Aim of ploughing and soil fertilization is to provide a good root growing environment and fine tilth; however at the same time it can destroy a lot of roots and root hairs resulting in decreased bacterial activity over these destroyed soils.Without earthworms, soil needs continuous ploughing resulting in soil compaction making it difficult for root growth and water penetration.
iv)Adjust soil pH:
-Earthworm residues have a pH about 7 so these residues when mixed with soil adjust the pH to 7.
v)Activate microorganisms in soil:
-it is proved that more nitrogen fixing bacteria are present on roots around channels made by earthworms.
-Pituitary material secreted by earthworms on surfaces of channels is very good food
-Earthworm channels provide an ambient environment for bacterial living.
vi)Decrease number of nematodes
-Soil rich in earthworms contains less number of nematodes than that without worms.
-Earthworms are an indication for good soil that contains a wide spectrum of beneficial soil organisms.
jim items answered the question on February 18, 2019 at 13:46
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