Earthworm Interactions with Soil Enzymes

Abstract

Soil structure refers to the size, shape, arrangement of particles and pores in the soil. It effects many soil properties and plant growth including aeration, water holding capacity and hydraulic conductivity, drainage, resistance to erosion, root development, and water and nutrients uptake by plants. Earthworms play an important role in soils and they influence soil structure by mainly feeding, casting, and burrowing. These activities can either improve or reduce the stability of soil aggregates. In this chapter, effects of earthworms on soil structure will be discussed.