The impact of earthworm population and cast properties in the soils of wheat fields in different regions of Punjab

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to describe the potential influence of earthworm abundance on soil properties and to investigate the available nutrients present in earthworm casts in comparison to surrounding soil in different regions of Punjab viz., Amritsar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and Moga. On average, at all sites, significantly more nutrients were available in earthworm casts as compared to surrounding soils. Among three sites, maximum significant results were obtained at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar where earthworm population was more and contained higher content of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, organic carbon and optimum levels of pH and EC (electrical conductivity) in casts as compared to surrounding soil. Earthworm abundance and nutrient availability was maximum in the month of March, this correlates with earthworm population. The study indicates that earthworms and earthworm castings are valuable nutrient sources for plants and can improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil.