Quantifying earthworm community structures as indicators of soil health

Description

Whilst the presence of earthworms is used by many farmers as a general indicator of soil health, measurement is generally subjective. The chapter reviews current challenges in collecting more systematic and reliable data on earthworm communities, including issues in identifying epigeic, endogeic and anecic earthworms groups inhabiting different soil levels. It includes a case study on developing a robust method for accurate measurement of earthworm communities in soil in assessing and improving soil health.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Earthworms, soil health and management 3 Challenges in collecting data on earthworms 4 Developing improved assessment of earthworms 5 Results and discussion 6 Conclusion 7 Where to look for further information 8 References