The importance of earthworms in the ecosystem was documented very early by Aristotle, the Greek philosopher who called them "intestines of the earth" and then in 1881 Charles Darwin highlighted their role in the breakdown of dead plants as well as animal matter. In 1994, Jones designated earthworms as ecosystem engineers, due to their important role in the development and maintenance of the physico-chemical properties of soil by converting biodegradable materials and organic wastes into nutrient-rich vermicast. Earthworms enhance the incorporation of plant residue into soil aggregates, create soil porosity and stable aggregate through their burrowing, humus formation, and casting activities. The castings egested by earthworms have generally been assumed to be more stable than the parent soil aggregates and contain certain hormones, enzymes, microorganisms, inorganic and organic materials which it acquires during the passage of soil through the earthworm gut. A large number of plant hormones such as gibberellins, auxins and cytokinins are also present in vermicompost which promotes the growth of plants. Vermiwash is a clear, transparent, pale-yellow liquid obtained from the passage of water during vermiculture. Vermiwash provides nutrients to plants in easily available forms. In addition to vermicompost and vermiwash, the earthworm biomass can further be processed into earthworm meals having an important dietary and pharmaceutical application. The proteins from earthworms are rich in essential amino acids and the enzymes have been known to have anti-coagulating and fibrinolytic properties. Thus, worldwide scientists are working on earthworm biodiversity assessment and evaluation of their ecosystem services and value addition in other environmental management sectors. Efforts have been made in this edited volume to compile the recent application of earthworms in different fields of environmental management and resource conservations. The book contains three sub-sections: earthworms' role in agroecosystem and soil fertility management; vermifiltration; and industrial application of earthworm biomass. A total of 15 chapters are included in this edited volume. The first section compiles a total of nine chapters which mainly describe the role of earthworms in soil fertility maintenance, monitoring soil health and quality, pest management, and the response of agro-management practices on earthworm behaviour in soils. The second section is composed of the application of earthworm-based biofilter systems for wastewater treatment and use of vermi-wash as liquid fertilizer for plant growth promotions and suppression of soil-plant diseases and promoting stress tolerance in plants. The last section mainly describes the pharmaceutical importance of earthworm in disease management and producing some antimicrobial substances from it. In the end, we acknowledge the people and family members who are directly or indirectly associated with the compilation of books and editing. Without their moral and technical support, this book would not see the light of day.
Author(s): Adarsh Pal Vig, Surendra Singh Suthar, Jaswinder Singh
Series: Life Sciences Research and Development
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 282
City: New York
Preface
Acknowledgments
Section 1. Role of Earthworm in Agroecosystem and Soil Fertility Management
Chapter 1
Earthworm and Soil Fertility
Abstract
Introduction
Earthworms
Vermicompost
Earthworm and Waste Management
The Effect of Chemical Fertilizers, Herbicides, Agricultural Practices on the Population Dynamics of Earthworms
Earthworm and Soil Physico-Chemical Structure
Earthworm and Plant Nutrients
Role of Earthworms in Water Infiltration
Earthworms Promote the Growth of Roots
Earthworms as Bio-Indicator
Earthworms and Soil Bio-Diversity
Conclusion
References
Chapter 2
Vermicompost: Enriching Soil Fertility by Inviting the Beneficial Microbial Community
Abstract
Introduction
Vermicompost
Earthworms
Earthworm Gut Microbes
Microbial Diversity and Enrichment in Vermicompost
Vermicompost and Soil Fertility
Significance of Vermicompost Associated Microbes in Soil Fertility
Promoting Nitrogen Fixation
Promoting Phosphate Solubilization
Production of Plant Growth Promoting Enzymes
Production of Plant Growth Regulators
Production of Signal Molecules
Vermicompost Associated Microbes in the Protection of Plants from Pathogens and Pests
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3
Efficacy of Vermicompost as a Plant Growth Promoter
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Comparing Vermicompost with Biological and Inorganic Fertilizers
3. Impacts of Vermicompost on Various Plant Growth and Productivity Variables
3.1. Impact on Seedling
3.2. Impact on Plant
3.3. Impact on Roots
3.4. Impact on Shoots
3.5. Impact on Leaves and Chlorophyll
3.6. Impact on Flowers
3.7. Impact on Fruits
3.8. Impact on Yield
3.9. Impact on Ions Uptake
3.10. Impact on Quality
Conclusion
References
Chapter 4
Ecological Role of Earthworms as Bioindicators of Soil Health
Abstract
1. Introduction: The Soil Health
2. Bioindicators of Soil Quality
3. The role of Earthworms in Soils
4. The Use of Earthworms as Bioindicators of Soil Health
4.1. Ecological Indicators
4.2. Ecotoxicological Indicators
5. Case Study: Earthworms as Ecotoxicological Indicators to Assess the Chronic Effects of Imidacloprid on Non-Target Soil Invertebrates
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Material and Methods
5.3. Results
5.4. Discussion
Conclusion
References
Chapter 5
Role of Earthworms in
Agro-Industrial Waste Management
and Sustainable Agriculture
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Vermicomposting Potential of Various Agro-Industrial Wastes
2.1. Sugarcane Residues
2.2. Textile Mill Sludge
2.3. Bagasse
2.4. Rice Husk
2.5. Banana Agro-Waste
2.6. Corn Waste
2.7. Flower Wastes
2.8. Lignocellulosic Wastes
2.9. Sludge from Paper Mill
3. Role of Earthworms in Sustainable Agriculture
3.1. Plant Growth Parameters
3.2. Germination of Seeds
3.3. Disease and Pathogen Control in Plants
3.4. Increase in Plant Nutrients
4. Comparison of Chemical Fertilizers, Vermicompost and Farm Yard Manure on the Plant Yields
Conclusion
References
Chapter 6
Vermicomposting: An Effective Alternative in Integrated Pest Management
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Vermicomposting and Pest Management
2.1. Vermicomposting and Arthropod Pest Management
2.1.1. Mechanism
2.2. Vermicomposting and Nematode Pest Management
2.2.1. Mechanism
2.3. Vermicomposting and Other Pests
3. Vermicomposting and Integrated Pest Management Programmes
4. Factors Affecting Pest Control Potentialof Vermicompost and Vermicompost Tea
4.1. Compost Source, Grade and Maturity
4.2. Brewing Time and Aeration
4.3. Compost to Water Ratio
4.4. Dilution and Application
4.5. Microbial and Nutrient Supplements
Conclusion and Future Goals
References
Chapter 7
Role of Earthworms in Plant Growth and Health Improvement for Sustainable Agriculture
Abstract
1. Introduction
1.1. Earthworm Ecology
2. Role of Earthworms in Soil Quality Improvement
2.1. Soil Factors Affecting Earthworm Population
2.1.1. Soil Types
2.1.2. Soil Moisture
2.1.3. Temperature and pH
3. Interaction of Earthworms with Microorganisms
4. Role of Earthworm in Plant Growth and Developments
5. Biotic and Abiotic Stress Alleviation by Earthworms
6. Impact of Modern Agricultural Practices on Earthworms
6.1. Tillage
6.2. Pesticides
6.3. Inorganic fertilizers
Conclusion
References
Chapter 8
Earthworm (Eutyphoeus Orientalis) Behavioral Response to Biopesticide (Quercetin/Azadirachtin) and
Chemical Pesticide (Chlorpyriphos)
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Test Substrates
Preparation of Neem Leaf Extract
Preparation of the Test
Quercetin/Azadirachtin Contaminated Soil
Chlorpyrifos Contaminated Soil
Test Animals
Avoidance Tests
Dual Chambers Avoidance Test
Seven Chambers Avoidance Test
Data Analysis
Results
Survivability and Biomass Test
Dual-Chamber Test
The Seven Chamber Test
Avoidance (%) Test
Cast Production in Dual Chamber Test
Cast Production in Seven Chamber Test
Conclusion
References
Chapter 9
Earthworms: A Contrivance to Ameliorate Water Infiltration Rates and Water Holding Capacity in Agroecosystem
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Ecological Stratification of Earthworm
3. Earthworm as an Ecosystem Engineer
3.1. Soil Formation
3.2. Soil Structure
3.3. Aggregation
3.4. Stability of Aggregates
4. Earthworms: Soil-Water Relationships
4.1. Porosity and Infiltration
4.2. Micropores and Macropores
4.3. Soil Water Infiltration
4.4. Soil Water Retention and Water Holding Capacity
4.5. Earthworm Cast and Soil Evaporation
5. Earthworms and Microcosm
Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References
Section 2. Vermifiltration/Vermiwash
Chapter 10
Effects of Vermicompost and Vermiwash on the Growth of Crops
Abstract
Introduction
Vermiculture
The Role of Earthworms
Characteristic of Vermicompost
Characteristic of Vermiwash
Benefits of Vermicompost and Vermiwash Combined
Conclusion
References
Chapter 11
Use of Vermicompost and Vermicompost Leachate in Enhancing Stress Tolerance and Agricultural Production
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Chemical and Biological Components of Vermicompost and Their Effects on Soil Health
3. Plant Beneficial Effects of Vermicompost and Vermicompost Leachate
3.1. Growth Enhancing Effects in Plants
3.2. Stress Mitigating Effects in Plants
Conclusion
References
Chapter 12
The Combination of Liquid Biofertilizer Vermiwash with Biopesticides - Boon for Control of Pest Infestation and Crop Productivity
Abstract
Introduction
Biological Wastes
Earthworms
Earthworms and Vermicomposting
Vermiwash
Biopesticides
Mode of Action of Biopesticides
Garlic (Allium sativum L.)
Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Effect of Vermiwash with Biopesticides on Plant Growth and Their Pest Infestation
Helicoverpa armigera
Earias vittella
Merits of Biopesticides over Chemical Pesticides
Conclusion
References
Chapter 13
Earthworm-Assisted Remediation of Wastewater through Vermifiltration
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Treatment Methods for Municipal Wastewater
3. Use of Vermitechnology in Waste Management
4. Vermifiltration
5. Limitations of Vermifiltration
Conclusion and Future Prospectus
References
Section 3. Industrial Application of Earthworm Biomass
Chapter 14
Earthworm as a Potential Antimicrobial Source
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Classification of Earthworms
3. Medicinal and Dietary Properties of Earthworms
3.1. Medicinal Properties
3.2. Dietary Properties
4. Different Microbes and Their Effects on the Environment and Human Health
4.1. Beneficial and Harmful Role of Microorganisms
4.1.1. Antibiotic Producing Microorganisms
4.1.2. Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
5. Antimicrobial Activity of Earthworms on Different Microbes
Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References
Chapter 15
Significance and Importance of Earthworm as Potential Biopharmaceutical Source
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Role of Earthworms in Health and Medicine Industry
2.1. Fibrinolytic/Fibrinogenolytic, Thrombolytic/Antithrombotic and Anti-Coagulative Activities
2.2. Antioxidant, Antiulcer & Hepatoprotective Activity
2.3. Anti-Inflammatory Activity
2.4. Antipyretic Activity
2.5. Cytotoxic Activity of Earthworm
2.6. Anticancer/Antitumor Activity
2.7. Antimicrobial Activity of Earthworm
2.8. Wound Healing Activity of Earthworm
2.9. Role of Earthworm in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration and Schwann Cell Proliferation and Migration
Conclusion
References
About the Editors
Index
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