Effects of Earthworms on Soil Organization - Earthworm Ecology - page 192

11

Effects of Earthworms on Soil
Organization

André Kretzschmar

INRA-Biometrié, Avignon, France

CONTENTS

The Effects of Earthworms on Soil Organization: Interactions between
Earthworms and Soil Structure.................................................................................................201
Soil Porosity Caused by Earthworms.....................................................................................201
The Roles of Earthworm-Originated Soil Structures.............................................................202
Do Earthworm Burrows Affect Specific Soil Functions or Structures?................................202
Soil-StructureÏDependent Effects of Earthworm Burrows....................................................203
Earthworm Behavior Is Not Stable ........................................................................................204
Interactions between Earthworm Burrows and Soil Properties ....................................................204
Interactions of Earthworm Burrows with Other Soil Pores...................................................204
Interactions between Earthworm Burrows and Mass Transfer Processes .............................205
Interactions between Earthworm Burrows and Other Soil Biological Components.............206
Observation of Earthworm Interactions with Soils: Methodological Considerations ..................207
From Two to Three Dimensions.............................................................................................207
Topology and Functional Problems in Comparing Earthworm Burrow Patterns .................207
Problems of Scale ...................................................................................................................208
Conclusions ....................................................................................................................................208
Interactions between Earthworms and Soil Formation ..........................................................208
Monitoring Introductions of Earthworms to New Sites ........................................................208
References ......................................................................................................................................209

Earthworms have major impacts on the structure and organization of soils. Interactions between
earthworm activities and behavior interact strongly with physical and biological soil properties and
soil structures. Examples of such interactions are given in this chapter to demonstrate how careful
observations and analysis can avoid a Ñchicken-and-eggÒ dispute. In addition, there is a discussion
of how technical measures are used to address the question of the spatial stability of the interactions
described.

THE EFFECTS OF EARTHWORMS ON SOIL ORGANIZATION:
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN EARTHWORMS AND SOIL STRUCTURE

S P C E

OIL OROSITY AUSED BY ARTHWORMS

Endogeic species of earthworms contribute to soil porosity by burrowing and ingesting soil. Their
burrowing creates large pore systems with complex structures that reflect the earthwormÔs behavior

201