Abstract
Earthworms, termites and ants influence soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Earthworms are most active in humid and subhumid tropics, termites and ants are more active in semi-arid and arid regions. Soil fauna influence rates of soil turnover, mineralization and humification of soil organic matter, soil texture and consistency, total and macroporosity, infiltration rate and soil-water retention characteristics. Biologically, worked soil often has more organic matter and more plant-available nutrients and water reserves than adjacent soil. Population, species diversity and activity of soil fauna are influenced by agricultural practices. The practices that adversely affect faunal population include mechanized land clearing, plowing, monoculture and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. Soil- and crop-management techniques that favor and enhance the activity of soil fauna include mulch farming, no-tillage, cover crops, agroforestry and other ecologically compatible farming systems. Soil degradation in the tropics is related to drastic reductions in activity and diversity of soil fauna.
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