Effects of Earthworms (Allolobophora longa) on Potassium, Zinc and Manganese Availability Enhancement in a Clay Loam Soil | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Soil Science | ||
| Article 19, Volume 65, Issue 1, March 2025, Pages 291-299 PDF (1011.01 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejss.2024.331027.1902 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Mahmoud Gamal Mohamed Abd El-Rahim* 1; Nashaat Mahmoud Abdel-Aziz2; Mohammed Abdel-Mageed3; Amro Ramadan El-Sayed4 | ||
| 1Department of Soils and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt | ||
| 2Agricultural Zoloogy and Nematology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524. Egypt | ||
| 3Agricultural Zoloogy and Nematology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut branch, Egypt | ||
| 4Agricultural Zoloogy and Nematology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypyt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Abstract EARTHWORMS contribute significantly to nutrients availability for plant growth. An incubation soil trial inoculated with adult individuals of earthworm species Allolobophora Longa (S+AL) was conducted under controlled conditions to study the role of the earthworm on some nutrients availability in a clay loam soil. The control treatment was conducted without earthworms (S). The experiment period was contained for 90 days. The results showed that the earthworm-inoculated soil reduced soil bulk density by 6.9% and soil reaction (pH) by 0.16 unit. Soil salinity (EC) of the S+Al treatment was higher than that of untreated soil. The treated soil with arthworms was superior in its total N and P content compared to non-treated soil. Considering the role of earthworms in nutrients availability enhancement, there was a significant correlation between the presence of the A. longa earthworms and the increase of extractable potassium by 56% compared to the untreated soil. In terms of nutrients availability, the S+Al realized higher levels of the extractable zinc, iron and manganese, except copper, which decreased compared to untreated soil. The opptained results showed positive impact of A. long earthworm on realsing of the soil elements and decompating of soil which are criuial to build a healthy soils. In addition, applying of A. longa earthworm species into the soil could be an alternative approach for releasing nutrients from their pools especially under organic farming. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Earthworms; Soil characteristics Micronutrients; Extractable potassium; Icubation; Clay loam soil | ||
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