Abstract
Earthworm activity has become more important in the Loess Plateau, where hydrological processes are crucial for ecosystem sustainability. In this study, we conducted a laboratory microcosm experiment to determine the various burrowing activities of Eisenia fetida and their impact on the soil hydraulic properties in response to different levels of soil moisture (50%, 70%, 90% of field capacity) in two common soil types (loessial and Lou soil) obtained from the Loess Plateau. Burrowing activity of E. fetida increased with higher soil moisture and was greater in loessial than in Lou soil. Most burrowing activities occurred within the top 5 cm and decreased with increasing soil depth. Macropores and burrow branching, which are highly related to the earthworm burrowing, were more prevalent in wetter soil. Earthworms significantly altered the formation of large soil aggregates (AGL, diameter >2 mm) under different soil moistures and depths. Distinct earthworm burrowing activities, controlled by soil moisture, altered soil hydraulic properties. However, soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) showed little differences between different treatments due to the horizontal and high–branched burrows of E. fetida, although higher burrowing activities were found in wetter soil. Soil field capacity was highest in drier soil due to the less macropores and burrowing activities.
Highlights
Earthworms play an important role in the regulation of soil physicochemical processes and ecosystem services, such as the maintenance of soil structure, water regulation, and nutrient inputs for plants [1,2]
Teshebuartewa aosf smigancirfiocpaonrtelsy rhainggheedr afrtoHmig0h%thtaon0a.2t5L%o,wshsoowilinmgoilsitttuleredfioffretrhenecteotbaelt0w–e1e5ncmtwoofstohiel tsyopile.s Bboutthwthaes asirgenaiofifcbanutrlryowhisghanerdamt HacirgohpothreasnwateLreoswigsnoiifilcmanotilsytudriefffeorrentht ebetotwtaele0n–1s5oiclmdeopfththse(pso
Burrow area ranged between 1.8–3.4%, 0.6–3.5% at the which decreased with increasing soil depth
Summary
Earthworms play an important role in the regulation of soil physicochemical processes and ecosystem services, such as the maintenance of soil structure, water regulation, and nutrient inputs for plants [1,2]. Their burrowing activities increase the proportion of macropores in the soil, which have important hydrological functions: (1) preferential flow through macropores could improve water movement to the deep soil, enhance water infiltration and drainage, reduce surface runoff, and subsequently, decrease soil erosion [3,4]; (2) increased soil aeration in the macropores enhances water loss through evaporation, decreasing soil moisture content [5]. More basic studies evaluating the effect of soil conditions (e.g., moisture) on burrowing activity are critically needed in soils of Asia, which has received little attention
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
