The Ecology, Management, and Benefits of Earthworms in Agricultural Soils, with Particular Reference to Southern Australia

Several Australian studies have shown that earthworms can improve soil properties and increase agricultural production. Particular attention is given in this chapter to the abilities of earthworms to enhance the burial of surface-1

applied lime and organic matter and to increase pasture and cereal growth. Differences in performance between earthworm species are highlighted. Aporrectodea longa and A. trapezoides are shown to be more beneficial than other species. In particular, A. longa buried lime to 10-15 cm depth within five minutes in field experiments and increased pasture growth by up to 60%.