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Questions and Answers
What percentage of global food production is attributed to earthworms according to the research from Colorado State University?
What percentage of global food production is attributed to earthworms according to the research from Colorado State University?
- 10 percent
- 5 percent
- 6.5 percent (correct)
- 8 percent
In which regions did earthworms help increase grain yields by 10 percent and 8 percent respectively?
In which regions did earthworms help increase grain yields by 10 percent and 8 percent respectively?
- Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America (correct)
- Asia and Europe
- North America and Australia
- Middle East and Southeast Asia
Which four grains were specifically studied for the effects of earthworms on crop yields?
Which four grains were specifically studied for the effects of earthworms on crop yields?
- Rice, maize, wheat, and barley (correct)
- Oats, barley, rye, and corn
- Rice, barley, flax, and peas
- Sorghum, millet, barley, and soybeans
What role do earthworms play in soil health?
What role do earthworms play in soil health?
How do earthworms help tomato plants in polluted environments, according to the study from Nankai University?
How do earthworms help tomato plants in polluted environments, according to the study from Nankai University?
Which study reported the significant agricultural contributions of earthworms in developing nations?
Which study reported the significant agricultural contributions of earthworms in developing nations?
What aspect of earthworms makes them particularly valuable in regions with limited access to chemical fertilizers?
What aspect of earthworms makes them particularly valuable in regions with limited access to chemical fertilizers?
What effect do earthworms have on the availability of nutrients in the soil?
What effect do earthworms have on the availability of nutrients in the soil?
Flashcards
Earthworms' impact on food production
Earthworms' impact on food production
Earthworms contribute significantly to global food production, estimated to be equivalent to 6.5% or 140 million tons annually.
Earthworms' role in developing nations
Earthworms' role in developing nations
Earthworms' positive impact on plant growth is particularly noticeable in developing countries where reliance on natural soil fertility is higher due to limited access to synthetic fertilizers.
Earthworm burrows and soil aeration
Earthworm burrows and soil aeration
Earthworms enhance soil aeration and drainage by burrowing, creating channels for water and air circulation.
Earthworms and nutrient cycling
Earthworms and nutrient cycling
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Earthworms and microplastic resilience
Earthworms and microplastic resilience
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Earthworms protecting tomatoes from microplastics
Earthworms protecting tomatoes from microplastics
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Earthworms and sustainable agriculture
Earthworms and sustainable agriculture
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Earthworms' impact on grain yields
Earthworms' impact on grain yields
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Study Notes
Earthworm Impact on Soil & Plant Growth
- Earthworms significantly enhance soil health and boost crop yields, impacting global food production by an estimated 6.5% annually (equivalent to Russia's grain harvest).
- A Colorado State University (CSU) study, surveying global earthworm populations, soil properties, and crop yields, highlighted this impact. The study focused on rice, maize, wheat, barley, soybeans, and peas.
- Earthworms' impact was particularly pronounced in developing countries, increasing grain yields in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America by 10% and 8% respectively, likely due to reduced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Earthworms enrich soil by burrowing, aerating, and improving water drainage and retention. Their activity mixes organic matter, making nutrients more accessible to plants.
- A separate study from Japan's Nankai University found earthworms protect plants from microplastic contamination. Plants grown in microplastic-contaminated soil with earthworms thrived and repelled pests, suggesting boosted plant immunity to environmental stressors.
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