Earthworm Impact on Plant Growth

Earthworm Impact on Plant Growth

• Earthworms significantly improve soil, boosting crop yields and protecting from microplastics.
• A CSU study estimates earthworms contribute 6.5% (or 140 million tons) of global annual food production, comparable to Russia's grain harvest.
• Researchers from Colorado State University (CSU) assessed global earthworm populations, soil conditions, and crop yields for various grains (rice, maize, wheat, barley) and legumes (soybeans, peas).
• Their study found a substantial impact on developing nations, notably increasing yields by 10% in Sub-Saharan Africa and 8% in Latin America.
• This is attributed to lower chemical input reliance in these regions, where farmers rely more on organic matter like manure and crop residues.
• Earthworms improve soil structure by creating channels that loosen and aerate the soil, improving water drainage and nutrient availability. This constant movement of soil mixes organic matter for optimal nutrient availability to plants.

Earthworms and Microplastic Pollution

• A separate study from Japan's Nankai University revealed earthworms' ability to protect plants from microplastics.
• Researchers placed tomato plants in plastic-contaminated soil and observed that earthworms helped the plants thrive, despite the pollution.
• Presence of earthworms also seemingly helped repel plant-eating insects.
• The scientists hypothesize that earthworms enhance plant immunity, making them more resilient to environmental stressors.