Introduction Of Earthworms Research Articles

Влияние предварительной биоконверсии пшеничной соломы в модельной природоподобной системе на продуктивность растений

Studies focused on maintaining high productivity and stability of artificial ecosystems that reproduce the processes of natural cenoses are relevant and interesting. It seems to be effective to include decomposers, detritivores and vegetative waste in model systems aimed at obtaining products. The use of earthworms as detritivores is promising because they utilize the organic matter as well as enrich the substrates with microflora including those with antagonistic and growth-stimulating activities. The aim of this study was to assess the prospects of preliminary bioconversion of wheat straw by basidiomycetes (Lentinus tigrinus and Pleurotus ostreatus) to increase the productivity of lettuce plants. The work was carried out in laboratory conditions with model systems consisting of a substrate (peat, cattle manure and wheat straw with and without bioconversion), earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa cultivar Credo). The leaf area, the weight of each plant (wet and dry), the productivity of lettuce plants, and the content of the main biogenic elements in the plant tissue and substrate were evaluated. The number and weight of adult worms at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, and the number of juvenile worms at the end of the experiment, the number of cocoons, as well as coprolite weight and yield were considered. A significant phytotoxic effect when straw was added into the substrate was found. The addition of straw processed by basidiomycetes (10%) in the substrate had a favorable effect on the earthworm population. Growing lettuce on substrates with bioconverted straw and with the earthworm introduction increases the content of major macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) in plants. The introduction of earthworms contributed to a significant decrease in the phytotoxicity of substrates. Thus, it is possible to recommend the inclusion of fungiculture wastes (such as substrates after fruiting bodies obtaining) in green crop production systems together with the introduction of earthworms into substrates.

Effects of biodegradable microplastics coexistence with biochars produced at low and high temperatures on bacterial community structure and phenanthrene degradation in soil

The increasing use of biodegradable plastics may result in more serious pollution of microplastics which often coexist with biochar in soil, this will affect how organic pollutants move and transform in the soil. This work investigated the effect of biodegradable polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) coexistence with biochars produced at temperatures of 400 and 700 °C (W4 and W7) on soil bacterial communities and phenanthrene degradation. The results showed that coexistence of PBAT and biochar paticles greatly boosted the relative abundance of Nocardioides while decreased the relative abundance of Sphingomonas as compared to soils with a single addition of PBAT or biochar. Changes in soil Eh values were the most influential factor in bacterial communities (more than 40% contribution). The degradation ratio of phenanthrene when PBAT coexisted with W7 (39.6 ± 3.6%) was not significantly different from the treatment with a single W7 addition (35.0 ± 2.3%, P＞0.05), and was related to phenanthrene degradation in the adsorbed state of W7 in soil. In contrast, the degradation ratio of phenanthrene in PBAT coexisting with W4 (35.1 ± 3.5%) was intermediate between that of single PBAT (49.8 ± 0.9%) and W4 (13.7 ± 5.8%) treatments. This was primarily due to changes in the experiment's initial bioavailable phenanthrene content. Furthermore, after the introduction of earthworms, phenanthrene degradation ratio in coexistence treatments were very similar to that described above in the absence of earthworms. Except for two treatments that contain W7, phenanthrene degradation ratio in the other treatments was increased by the presence of earthworms (up to 23%), which is related to the enhanced relative abundance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degraders. Our findings indicated that PBAT coexistence with high-temperature or low-temperature biochar had a completely different impact on bacterial communities and phenanthrene degradation in soil.

Multiple invasion routes have led to the pervasive introduction of earthworms in North America.

Soil-dwelling organisms play a key role in ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services. As a consequence, soil taxa such as earthworms are iconic in good land management practices. However, their introduction in places where species did not co-evolve with them can trigger catastrophic changes. This issue has been largely ignored so far in nature management policies because of the positive image of soil taxa and the lack of knowledge of the magnitude of soil fauna introductions outside their native range. Here we address this gap with a large spatio-temporal database of introduced alien earthworms. We show that 70 alien earthworm species have colonized the North American continent. They have larger geographical ranges than native species and novel ecological functions, representing a serious threat to the biodiversity and functioning of native ecosystems. The probably continuous introduction of alien earthworms, from a variety of sources and introduction pathways, into many distant and often empty niches, contrasts with the classical patterns of invasions in most aboveground taxa. This suggests that earthworms, and probably other soil organisms, constitute a major but overlooked pool of invasive species that are not adequately managed by existing control and mitigation strategies.

Structural and functional perspectives of carbon filter media in constructed wetlands for pollutants abatement from wastewater

Constructed wetlands (CWs) represent the most viable artificial wastewater treatment system that works on the principles of natural wetlands. Filter media are integrally linked to CWs and have substantial impacts on their performance for pollutant removal. Carbon-derived substrates have been in the spotlight for decades due to their abundance, sustainability, reusability, and potential to treat complex contaminants. However, the efficiency and feasibility of carbon substrates have not been fully explored, and there are only a few studies that have rigorously analyzed their performance for wastewater treatment. This critical synthesis of the literature review offers comprehensive insights into the utilization of carbon-derived substrates in the context of pollutant removal, intending to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of CWs. It also compares several carbon-based substrates with non-carbon substrates with respect to physiochemical properties, pollutant removal efficiency, and cost-benefit analysis. Furthermore, it addresses the concerns and possible remedies about carbon filtration materials such as configuration, clogging minimization, modification, and reusability to improve the efficacy of substrates and CWs. Recommendations made to address these challenges include pretreatment of wastewater, use of a substrate with smaller pore size, incorporation of multiple filter media, the introduction of earthworms, and cultivation of plants. A current scientific scenario has been presented for identifying the research gaps to investigate the functional mechanisms of modified carbon substrates and their interaction with other CW components.

Introduction of earthworms into constructed soils has long-lasting effects on primary production

Earthworm inoculation is a successful practice to restore degraded soils. Recently, it has also been used to improve the fertility of Technosols constructed with urban wastes. However, there is still a lack of documentation on long-term effects of earthworms inoculation. In this study, we conducted an outdoor experiment to evaluate the effect of an anecic species (L. terrestris) on primary production, 5 years after their inoculation into Technosols constructed with excavated mineral materials and different doses of green waste compost (10, 20 and 30%). This experiment demonstrated that 1) earthworm inoculation improved perennial plant biomass and 2) this effect was higher on soil containing the lowest amount of organic matter. Soil analyses also revealed that the positive effect on plant biomass could be due to a better availability of phosphorus and potassium. Although the underlying mechanisms still have to be explained, this study showed that the inoculation of ecosystem engineers can improve constructed Technosols fertility in the long term.

Earthworms enhance the bioremediation of tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate-contaminated soil by releasing degrading microbes

The escalating awareness of the environmental risks posed by organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), e.g., tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP), necessitates the development of effective approaches to mitigate their adverse ecological effects. However, research on the remediation of OPFR-contaminated soil remains limited. In this study, a strategy is proposed to enhance the microbial remediation of TBOEP-contaminated soil through the introduction of exotic earthworms (Eisenia fetida). The presence of earthworms led to a substantial increase in the 28-d removal rates of TBOEP at concentrations of 0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg/kg, with improvements of 32.3 ± 2.0%, 33.2 ± 1.3%, and 33.0 ± 5.6% compared to rates in the absence of earthworms, respectively. The underlying mechanisms for this enhancement include the earthworm-mediated enrichment of TBOEP-degrading bacteria, particularly Rhodococcus, Flavobacterium, and Pseudomonas, and the transfer of Rhodococcus from the earthworm gut to the soil, resulting in an increased relative abundance within the soil. Concurrently, the earthworms stimulated soil peroxidase activity, facilitating the oxidative degradation of TBOEP. Furthermore, the rise in dissolved organic matter content following earthworm treatment fostered the growth of degrading bacteria in the soil. Rhodococcus emerged as a dominant contributor to soil TBOEP removal, consuming humic-like compounds in dissolved organic matter. This investigation underscores the significance of gut microbes and offers valuable insights for the application of earthworm-based remediation strategies in OPFR-contaminated soil.

Holes in the tundra: Invasive earthworms alter soil structure and moisture in tundra soils

Human introductions have resulted in earthworms establishing in the Arctic, species known to cause cascading ecosystem change. However, few quantitative outdoor experiments have been performed that describe how these soil modifying earthworms are reshaping structures in tundra soils. In this study, we used three-dimensional (3-D) X-ray images of soil cores (approximately 10 cm diameter, 20 cm height, N = 48) to assess how earthworms (Aporrectodea sp. and Lumbricus sp.) affect soil structure and macropore networks in an outdoor mesocosm experiment that lasted four summers. Effects were assessed in both shrub-dominated (heath) and herb-dominated (meadow) tundra. Earthworms almost doubled the macroporosity in meadow soils and tripled macroporosity in heath. Interestingly, the fractal dimension of macropores decreased in response to earthworm burrowing in both systems, indicating that the presence of earthworms reduced the geometric complexity in comparison to other pore-generating processes active in the tundra. Observed effects on soil structure occurred along with a dramatically reduced soil moisture content, which was observed the first winter after earthworm introduction in the meadow. Our findings suggest that predictions of future changes in vegetation and soil carbon pools in the Arctic should include major impacts on soil properties that earthworms induce.

Introduction of earthworms into mycorrhizosphere of white clover facilitates N storage in glomalin-related soil protein and contribution to soil total N

Either arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi or earthworms as soil organisms promote plant growth, while their interaction on nitrogen (N) content in plants, soil, and glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) is not known. In this study, an AM fungus (Funneliformis mosseae) and an earthworm (Pheretima guillelmi), either in single or in combination, were introduced into soil growing white clover to analyze their effects on plant growth, chlorophyll, soluble protein, N contents in leaves, roots, GRSP, and soil, and the contribution of N in purified GRSP to soil total N. The four-week introduction of earthworms significantly increased root mycorrhizal colonization rate, and accelerated an improved AM effect on chlorophyll and plant growth. The single introduction of earthworms significantly increased root N and soil total N contents, while the single introduction of AM fungi distinctly elevated N contents in leaves, roots, easily extractable GRSP, and soil (nitrate N and total N). The N in total GRSP was 5.78–7.70 mg g−1, accounting for 3.46 %–5.45 % of the soil total N, of which the contribution of N from easily extractable GRSP and difficult-to-extract GRSP was 1.84 %–3.07 % and 1.34 %–2.39 %, respectively. AM fungi, but not earthworms, significantly increased the contribution of N in GRSP to soil total N, and the introduction of earthworms further accelerated the increased effect of mycorrhizas on the contribution of N in easily extractable and total GRSP to soil total N. These results demonstrated that the introduction of earthworms into mycorrhizosphere can facilitate N storage in GRSP and thus a contribution to soil total N.

Do the Invasive Earthworms Amynthas agrestis (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) and Lumbricus rubellus (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) Stimulate Oxalate-Based Browser Defenses in Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) by Their Presence or Their Soil Biogeochemical Activity?

The introduction of invasive earthworms initiates physical and chemical alterations in previously earthworm-free forest soils, which triggers an ecological cascade. The most apparent step is the shift in the herbaceous plant community composition. However, some species, such as Arisaema triphyllum (jack-in-the-pulpit), persist where earthworms are present. It has been hypothesized that A. triphyllum produces insoluble oxalate, an herbivory deterrent, in the presence of earthworms. This study aimed to distinguish between the effects of earthworm-induced changes in soils and the physical presence of earthworms on oxalate production. As such, a two-way factorial greenhouse trial was conducted using uninvaded soils to test this hypothesis for two invasive earthworm species (Amynthas agrestis and Lumbricus rubellus). The sequential extraction of oxalates in A. triphyllum corms was performed with absolute ethanol, deionized water, acetic acid and HCl, representing fractions of decreasing solubility. Earthworm presence increased water-soluble (p = 0.002) and total oxalate (p = 0.022) significantly, but only marginally significantly for HCl-soluble oxalate (p = 0.065). The corms of plants grown in soils previously exposed to the two species did not differ in oxalate production when earthworms were not present. However, the data suggest that earthworms affect corm oxalate concentrations and that the sequence of invasion matters for oxalate production by A. triphyllum.

Prospects for the peat using as the basis of the soil-like substrate in mini-ecosystems modelling

Global urbanization is causing a constant decline in arable land as cities and associated industrial zones are “attacking” adjacent agricultural areas. One of the promising ways to solve the problem of increasing food production for the constantly growing population of the planet against the background of rapidly decreasing land resources is the development of fundamentally new alternative methods for the production of crop products, including in greenhouses. The fundamental basis for technological optimization of plant cultivation parameters and the output of the productive process of a particular crop to the maximum of its genetic capacities can be the development of artificial mini-ecosystems based on the reproduction of nature-like processes, implying the balance and combination in one volume of the processes of plant production and reduction of organic waste, initiated directly in the zone of the rhizosphere of plants due to the introduction of technological earthworms into the reduction zone. According to the results of model studies presented in this article, peat is an acceptable basis for the substrate of the root block of a mini-ecosystem, and the introduction of earthworms Eisenia fetida Sav. into the reduction zone does not have a negative effect on lettuce plants, provided that it is used as an energy substrate for cattle manure worms in quantities not exceeding 10 - 20% of the total volume of the substrate.

Impacts of earthworm introduction and cadmium on microbial communities composition and function in soil

Heavy metal contamination of soil has become a public concern. Earthworms are key players in the functioning and service of soil ecosystems, with comprehension of their introduction in the polluted soil offering new insights into the protection of soil resources. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) introduction and Cd (0, 10, 30, and 60 mg kg−1 of Cd) exposure upon soil microbial community using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Our research demonstrated that Gemmatimonadetes and Deinococcus-Thermus upregulated significantly, while Chryseolinea showed an obvious decreasing trend after earthworm introduction. In Cd contaminated soil, many genera exhibited a greater presence of Cd-dependent bacteria, namely Cd-tolerant bacteria such as Altererythrobacter and Luteimonas, and a decrease of sensitive bacteria, such as Amaricoccus and Haliangium. Moreover, functional prediction analysis of soil microbiota indicated that earthworm introduction and Cd exposure changed functional pathways of soil microorganisms. The results obtained in this study are beneficial for understanding soil microbial community impacted by earthworm, and for exploring Cd resistant or tolerant bacteria, with potentially significant findings for soil biodiversity and Cd bioremediation.

Non-Native Earthworms Invade Forest Soils in Northern Maine, USA

Non-native earthworms can cause abrupt changes in forest ecosystems by altering soil properties and depleting or redistributing soil carbon (C) stocks. The forests of Northern Maine are often perceived as having winters that are too harsh to support earthworm populations and that earthworms are restricted to more southerly regions. In this study, we report the discovery of European earthworms at two research sites in Northern Maine. At one site, earthworms were only found across a portion of the forest, and the median organic (O) horizon C stock in the area with earthworms was 34% less than that of areas without earthworms. At a second site, earthworms were found across the entire 60-ha forest and the median O horizon C stock was 39% less than that of a similar forest without earthworms. Consistent with reports from other regions, areas with earthworms had no or minimal eluvial (E) horizons, while earthworm-free locations always had E horizons. Earthworm presence was always associated with a topsoil (A) horizon, reflecting mechanical mixing and organic matter processing by earthworms. This is one of the first reports of non-native earthworm presence in Northern Maine forests and monitoring changes in soil C will be important for determining rates of C sequestration in these forests. Warmer winter temperatures, particularly winter minimums, and greater annual precipitation will likely increase the success of new earthworm introductions across Northern Maine forests. Management actions that limit the transport of earthworms into earthworm-free areas should be carefully evaluated to minimize the potential for new introductions.

Tools for monitoring and study of peregrine pheretimoid earthworms (Megascolecidae)

Peregrine pheretimoid earthworms, commonly known as jumping worms, are members of the family Megascolecidae that have become widely established outside of their native ranges. In many parts of the world this represents a second wave of earthworm invasions, following the introduction of peregrine European earthworms in the family Lumbricidae during the colonial era. Forest ecologists, turf managers, gardeners, and other land managers are concerned about the observed or presumed negative effects of jumping worms on invaded habitats. Although research on jumping worms has accelerated in recent decades, our understanding of their ecology remains limited. We compiled techniques useful to researchers working to fill voids in our understanding. Similar past efforts have focused on tools used to study common European species. Differences in life cycle, behavior, morphology, and physiology make it difficult to transfer experiences with European earthworms to pheretimoids. For example, the loss of reproductive features in many pheretimoid populations poses a challenge for identification, and techniques for individually tagging lumbricid earthworms have been less successful for megascolecids. The active and ongoing expansion of pheretimoid populations in many areas requires increased attention on distributed methods, such as citizen-science protocols, for detecting and tracking their expansion. Finally, the desire to limit populations of pheretimoids, including those invading gardens and other environments that might be successfully restored, has exposed the lack of options for targeted, effective control of unwanted earthworms. We identify opportunities to address these voids in our methodological tool kit and encourage the adaptation of techniques previously used in the study and management of other invasive animals.

Elucidating the role of earthworms in N2O emission and production pathway during vermicomposting of sewage sludge and rice straw

Vermicomposting is a sustainable option for the recycling of biodegradable organic waste. However, it also produces nitrous oxide (N2O), which is a highly potent greenhouse gas. In this study, the N2O stable isotope and functional genes for nitrogen cycling were determined to investigate the sources of N2O during vermicomposting. The results showed that vermicomposting promoted the organic degradation and nitrogen nitrification, and the presence of earthworms increased the emission of N2O during vermicomposting compared to that during the control treatment with no earthworms. The site preference analysis of N2O stable isotope showed that both nitrification and denitrification were present during the early stages of vermicomposting, while nitrification was the dominant contributor to N2O production in the later stages. Moreover, earthworms increased the gene copies of amoA, and stimulated the nitrifying bacteria, and hence, increased the N2O emission via nitrification. In addition, the activity of earthworms reduced the gene number of nosZ during vermicomposting, while the denitrification was the main source of N2O in the earthworm gut, as the conditions inside the gut inhibited nosZ. Overall, nitrification was the major pathway (55.8–88.7 %) for N2O production, which was promoted by the introduction of earthworms through nitrification.

Soils and earthworms as a final chapter in the narrative of a steelworks

Hallside steelworks, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, employed thousands of people and constructed rails and ships for over a century, before this successful industry closed in the 1970s. The site,south-east of Glasgow, was then reclaimed from dereliction during the 1990s to produce biomass through Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) of willow trees (Salix spp.). On site, the contaminated soil was removed, and a rudimentary substrate created with a mixture of sewage sludge and colliery spoil, the latter moved from nearby tips to release land for housing. Trees were planted and earthworms (Annelida) added to potentially assist growth. Initially recognised as a flagship for reclamation, the site was then abandoned. In 2018, information was gathered on the development of soils and on earthworm communities. This was achieved by sampling across the 35 ha site below willow, other planted tree species and grassland. The results showed that reclaimed soils were very stony, compacted, resistant to water infiltration but relatively uncontaminated. Willow had grown, but coppicing had not occurred. Earthworm introduction was initially unsuccessful, but colonisation took place from adjacent unadulterated areas and 16 species from three ecological groups were recorded. Mean community density was 208 ± 18.1 earthworms m-2 with a mean mass of 71 ± 6.1 g m-2. Type of vegetation cover had a significant (P <0.05) effect on community density and biomass. The site is now used for recreation and is an effective greenspace close to Glasgow.

Changes in the abundance and diversity of earthworms in hill soils under different long-term fertiliser and sheep stocking regimes

ABSTRACT This study examined the earthworm community in permanent pastures at three self-contained farmlets that make up the long-term P fertiliser and sheep grazing study located at Ballantrae Hill Country Research Station. Thirty five years after the study was established, earthworm abundance was lower at the farmlet receiving no fertiliser since 1979 (LFNF, 219 m−2), compared to that receiving 125 kg SSP/ha/year (LFLF, 384 m−2) or 375 kg SSP/ha/year (HFHF, 428 m−2). Earthworm species diversity increased from two in 1979, to nine in 2014, as a result of both accidental and deliberate anthropogenic earthworm introductions. Across all farmlets earthworm abundance was closely associated with pasture production, as well as several pasture attributes and soil variables, particularly those influenced by slope. Maximising the contribution of soil fauna to soil function in hill country requires recognising the influence of slope on earthworm habitats and associated resource availability.

The Organic Fertilizers Residuals and Earthworm Introduction on Growth and Yield of Upland Rice

<p>In modern agriculture, over use of inorganik fertilizers causes dangerous effects on environment, human health and loss of soil fertility. Soil organic matter is a main indicator of the quality and healthy soils. Organic matter mineralization is a key process that releasing the available nutrients to the plants. There are many organisms involved in the mineralization processes. Earthworm enable to digest soil organik matters, and the excretion’s have more available nutrients content, that potential to increase nutrients absorption. This research intended to study influences of organic fertilizers residuals and earthworm introduction on growth of the upland rice in pots. The experiment was conducted in Agricultural Faculty of Universitas Islam Nusantara (UNINUS), from January – June 2017, with RBD that comprised of two factors: (1) earthworm; and (2) residual of kinds and rates of the organik fertilizers. The results showed that aren’t significantly interaction influences of the organik fertilizers residuals and earthworm introduction on growth and yield of upland rice also to increase yield components of upland rice.</p>

Study on the biomass and size spectra of bio-particles in vermifilter biofilms

In biological processes of sludge treatment, the sludge yield is closely related to the energy dissipation of entire microbial system. The vermifilter (VF), a novel biofilter, works efficiently due to the introduction of earthworms, which modifies the energy flow pathway through the variations of microbial size structure. For a deep insight into the sludge reduction in the VF, the biomass size spectrum (BSS) was employed to map the energy dissipation in the VF. The results indicated that bio-particles in the size class of [31, 63] μm were reduced most in the excess sludge after the VF treatment. In biofilms, bio-particles in the size class of [31, 63] μm varied most with the filter depth and earthworm density. Eight biomass and size spectra (BSS) were established for all beds of the VF and BF (the control of the VF, without earthworms). The normalized BSS were all linear both in the VF and BF, and their linear regression parameters, the slopes (k) and intercepts (b), varied with the filter depth and the earthworm density. The k and b of the VF were both significantly different from those of the BF. According to the k, the productivity level of largest bio-particles was higher in the VF than in the BF. According to the b, bio-particles at the bottom of size structure could be taken faster in the VF than in the BF. At last, some improvement approaches with some tries were proposed to enhance the sludge treatment capacity of the VF.

Earthworm-induced shifts in microbial diversity in soils with rare versus established invasive earthworm populations.

European earthworms have colonised many parts of Australia, although their impact on soil microbial communities remains largely uncharacterised. An experiment was conducted to contrast the responses to Aporrectodea trapezoides introduction between soils from sites with established (Talmo, 64 A. trapezoides m-2) and rare (Glenrock, 0.6 A. trapezoides m-2) A. trapezoides populations. Our hypothesis was that earthworm introduction would lead to similar changes in bacterial communities in both soils. The effects of earthworm introduction (earthworm activity and cadaver decomposition) did not lead to a convergence of bacterial community composition between the two soils. However, in both soils, the Firmicutes decreased in abundance and a common set of bacteria responded positively to earthworms. The increase in the abundance of Flavobacterium, Chitinophagaceae, Rhodocyclaceae and Sphingobacteriales were consistent with previous studies. Evidence for possible soil resistance to earthworms was observed, with lower earthworm survival in Glenrock microcosms coinciding with A. trapezoides rarity in this site, lower soil organic matter and clay content and differences in the diversity and abundance of potential earthworm mutualist bacteria. These results suggest that while the impacts of earthworms vary between different soils, the consistent response of some bacteria may aid in predicting the impacts of earthworms on soil ecosystems.

Understanding intricacies of clogging and its alleviation by introducing earthworms in soil biofilters

With the scarcity of fresh water and rise in pollution load in the aquatic ecosystem over the globe, the domestic and industrial effluents need to be reused after suitable treatment. In an attempt to do so, soil biofilters have been identified as a treatment alternative that is suitable for application in developing countries. However, rapid development of clogging in the soil biofilters limits its applicability as an effective technology. This paper aims to understand the occurrence of clogging due to biofilms formation in and over the bedding of soil media. To address this, the organic loading rates (OLRs) were varied in the range of 2.25–11.25kgCOD/m3·day to create different degree of clogging. Earthworms were inoculated into the soil bedding at the earthworm densities (EWDs) of 0, 5000 and 10,000earthworms/m3 to study the effect of earthworms introduction on clogging. The degree of clogging was measured using clogging coefficient (CC), hydraulic conductivity and head loss. The study highlights the impact of earthworms on the removal performance and clogging of soil biofilter. For all earthworm densities, head loss and clogging coefficient increased and hydraulic conductivity decreased linearly with organic loading rate. Introduction of earthworms versus no earthworms resulted in lower head loss and clogging coefficient and higher hydraulic conductivity for all organic loading rates, while increasing EWD from 5000 to 10,000 had only marginal effects on all parameters. The study reveals that high organic loading rate activates higher number of microbial sites, in turn causing higher degree of clogging. However, the introduction of earthworms reduces the clogging rate significantly along with enhanced treatment performance. The outcome of this study indicates that incorporation of earthworms into the soil biofilter can reduce the degree of bio-clogging and might provide a highly sustainable, low cost and efficient treatment system for the developing countries.