Earthworms Impact in Sustainable Management of Intensively Managed Agro Ecosystems: Indian Scenario

Abstract

Direct effects of agrochemicals on soil and belowground diversity are through indiscriminate application in the agricultural field, but through run off the chemical compounds contaminate the soil. The chemical fertilizers contain many hazardous compounds that may cause severe ecological and social constraints to the farmers as well as affect the micro and macro-fauna present in the soil. The yield and production of crops increased but the food quality for human consume is affected. As, the population increases the food security issue become more underlined, as to maintain the soil fertility and its degradation minimization. Hence, in current years consumer concern increasing for the issues such as food quality, environmental safety, and soil conservation. And, scientists are shifting from agricultural systems depending upon inorganic fertilizers towards viable agricultural practices. Hence, the use of organic fertilizers are promoted over the agrochemicals, but due to the high cost of transportation and solo impacts on yield and productivity not satisfactory. So, the integrated use of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer is adopted nowadays, to maintain belowground biodiversity and crop yield.  We focus on the role of earthworm in ecosystem management with prior emphasis on nutrient management of agro-ecosystems through their castings.