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Interaction of Earthworm Activity with Soil Structure and Enzymes

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Biology of Composts

Part of the book series: Soil Biology ((SOILBIOL,volume 58))

Abstract

The earthworms have been substantially affected by weather, characteristics of soil, industrial and agronomic actions, and pollution of environment in relation to their biomass and inhabitants’ dynamics in soil. Many studies relating to soil earthworms stipulated the evidence that they accelerate the changes in biological, chemical, and physical properties of soil and also impact aeration of soil and drainage due to their dynamic actions of casting, burrowing, and feeding. These actions have also significant roles in alterations of minerals and nutrients available in soil for plant. The fact that synergies in interaction of earthworm activities, soil structure, and enzymatic activities are significant signs of soil productiveness has been given an escalating consideration in soil science. The goal of this review chapter is to elucidate the relations between earthworms and soil enzymes at different levels in soil, types of earthworm, soil enzymes, kind of soil enzymes and their roles in maintaining soil health, and factors affecting soil structure. In addition, as the significant illustrative feature of soil life, the earthworms are profoundly affected by traditional agrarian procedures such as the application of chemical fertilizers and intensive tillage. So, special attention has been given on the queries of how agronomic practices govern the associations between soil earthworm and enzyme activities.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to express her gratitude to King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia for providing administrative and technical support. We are also thankful to Deanship of Scientific Research, King Khalid University. We are also grateful to Head of the Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia for providing facilities to carry out the current work.

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  1. Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia

    Sazada Siddiqui

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  1. Bioprocess Technology Division, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

    Mukesh K. Meghvansi

  2. Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Ajit Varma

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Siddiqui, S. (2020). Interaction of Earthworm Activity with Soil Structure and Enzymes. In: Meghvansi, M., Varma, A. (eds) Biology of Composts. Soil Biology, vol 58. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-39173-7_5

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