Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
port the maintenance of earthworm biomasses at levels that significantly stimulate plant
production (Gilot, 1994).
The reasons why plants grow better in the presence of earthworms are still poorly
understood. The enhanced growth probably results from a combination of increased
nutrient release from above ground litter and soil organic matter in the rhizosphere,
a reduction in the adverse effects on plant parasitic nematodes (Dash
et al.,
1980,
Yeates, 1981), enhanced mycorrhizal infection of roots (Reddell and Spain, 199lab;
Ydrogo, 1994) and 'hormone-like' effects (Tomati
et al.,
1988).
At larger scales, the introduction of endogeic and anecic earthworms into soils where
