Effects of cropping systems on earthworm diversity: a study
Keywords:
Cropping system, Agricultural practices, Crop rotation, Fertilizers, EarthwormAbstract
Earthworms are vital components of soil ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and overall soil fertility. Their diversity and abundance: Agricultural practices, especially cropping systems, strongly influence their diversity and abundance. by agricultural practices, particularly cropping systems. This study examines the effects of different cropping systems on earthworm diversity, highlighting how monoculture, crop rotation, and intercropping alter soil structure, organic matter availability, and microhabitat conditions. Conventional tillage management and intensive chemical inputs often reduce species richness and favour a few tolerant species, whereas conservation-oriented practices such as crop rotation, organic amendments, and reduced tillage enhance earthworm diversity and abundance. Effects of rotational cropping, agrochemicals, and tillage management on earthworm diversity are largely unknown. The objective was to learn whether long-term rotational cropping and soil management have significantly affected earthworm species and populations at study sites. The present study is an attempt to assess the earthworm abundance and diversity in rotational cropping systems under tillage management systems and exposure to agrochemicals over twelve months. Farming systems had a significant effect on bulk density in the study of the area. The findings underscore the role of earthworms as bioindicators of soil health and emphasize the necessity of sustainable cropping systems that balance agricultural productivity with biodiversity conservation. Promoting earthworm-friendly practices can improve soil strength, enhance ecosystem services, and support long-term agricultural sustainability. On the contrary, the agricultural annual cropping system did have a significant adverse effect.
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