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earthworms and soil fertility VOICE ENHANCEMENT
Dr. Ashok Kumar Panigrahi E , soil crawlers night rich in organic matter have long been recognized as friends of farmers worldwide, belong to the section called animals, invertebrates. They enter the taxonomic phylum Annelida Oligochaeta class, and order Opisthophora. This command consists of five major families of worms in the world such as; Moniligastridae, Megascolidae, Eudrilidae, and Lumbricidae Glossoscolecidae. The economic importance of all around the world has been studied in detail. It is more or less than most to play an important role in improving soil fertility and among them a little contribution countable. Researchers have identified and named more than 4,400 species of earthworms distinct, each with unique physical, biological and behavioral characteristics that distinguish each other. Classification of earthworms Earthworms are variously classified

, often on the lines feeding and also on the lines of the habitat. The trophic classification divides earthworms into three categories; phagous phyto, phyto-and geophagous geophagous when the habitat classification in three divided also; epigeous anecic and soil types. When their economic importance is considered these two systems of classifications are found overlapping. Example, the epigeics are herbivores. species epigeic earthworms, represented by excavatus paronychia (East), Eisenia foetida (European) and euginiae Eudrilus (Africa) live on the soil and feed on decaying plant and animal parts. epigeic to build no permanent burrows, preferring the loose topsoil high in organic matter, particularly leaf litter, environmental deeper mineral soil. Even in nature to those found in higher concentrations in the galleries of natural leaves and organic debris in the soil than we can reproduce the preferred environment of these worm species in bin culture, and It is largely for this reason it is the only epigean to that used in vermicomposting and vermiculture systems world wide. They are herbivores and humus formers. Similarly, anecics are phyto-geophagous. anecic species, represented by the common night crawlers Lampito mauritii (East) and Lumbricus terrestris, live in the top six inches of soil and feed on organic materials that have become part of the topsoil. anecic to build permanent galleries that extend vertically through the roof and upper layer of mineral soil, which can be as deep as 4-6 feet. These species cloak their burrows with mucous that hardens to prevent collapse of the burrow, providing a home to which they return and are still able to reliably identify, even when surrounded by other worm burrows . When deprived of this burrow environment to anecic will neither breed nor grow. Anecic worms feed on soil organic matter decomposition related and are responsible for cycling huge volumes of organic soil consisting of surface debris into humus, almost the same as epigeics. Finally, the endogeics are geophagous. This category represented with lines like Metaphire Posthuma, Phérétime elongata serrata Octochaetona and Thurston W., (Indians) are large worms, often reaching one meter or more in length. These worms live deep in the soil feeds exclusively on mineral soil is also rich in organic matter. soil-dwelling species, burrowing deep, broad construction, largely horizontal burrow systems through all layers of the upper mineral soil. These lines are the surface during the rainy season had just dropped their bulky parts, spending their lives deep in the ground where they feed on rotting organic matter and mineral soil particles. While most people believe all the worms eat the soil, except that the soil-dwelling species that feed on the ground. These worm species help inclusion of minerals in the topsoil also aerate the soil productive up through their movement and habits. Thus, all three trophic categories of earthworms play an important role in the management of soil fertility.
Earthworms and Soil Fertility / P>

All worms named above are significant in that soil fertility is concerned about each role to play identical or different. Their contributions are presented in the form of feces, called “worm cast” in addition to their body secretions or extrusions that they secrete and excrete as they are both exonephric and enteronephric. The intestines of earthworms act as “bioreactors”, which under ideal conditions of temperature, humidity and pH, desired strains of aerobic bacteria multiply and undesirable strains of anaerobic bacteria to digest. The gross contribution of earthworms to fertility Soil is, in fact, bacterial and fungal biomass which they excrete, which improves soil fertility. That is why it is said that what nature is about a hundred years to reach the earthworms do the same thing in just one year. earthworm concentration in soil is an indicator of the presence of fungal-bacterial biomass beneficial and that the soil does not need much care to the extent that soil fertility is question. Earthworms are voracious

. According to an estimate of food consumption per day per thousand kilograms of body weight, an elephant consumes about four kilograms, a man consumes about twenty pounds, a mouse consumes about two hundred kilograms, a worm consumes about five hundred kilograms, mushrooms, and two thousand kilograms of bacteria, twenty thousand pounds. He makes the bacteria, the ‘super consumers’ in the animal kingdom. The decomposition of organic matter in the air facilitates the reproduction or multiplication of bacterial populations in both types of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria do the incomplete combustion of organic matter and release only five per cent of energy. They also produce incompletely oxidized molecules such as methane and other compounds obnoxious, polluting the atmosphere. They make no direct contribution to soil fertility. ingested by earthworms, when the anaerobic digested in the gut worms, aerobics increases, the nitrogen-fixing bacteria Nitrifying as Azotobactor, Azospirillum and phosphate solublising phosphosolube bacteria (PSB). are all aerobic.
Although the total number of micro-organisms in the stomach contents of earthworm casts and depend on the initial source of food, the more organic matter the greater the microbial population. In all cases, there is an increase in microbial population and activity in shift in the intestine. Speak (1963) showed that the number of bacteria and 1,000 times during passage through the intestine and oxygen consumption remained higher in earthworm casts than in soil for 50 days, indicating an increase in microbial activity. This increased microbial activity is probably responsible for the increased phosphatase and urease activity in earthworm casts (especially L rubellus . and A. caliginosa), compared to the underlying soil. However, it is likely that the flora of the interaction between earthworms and soil micro is more complex than the simple mixture of micro-organisms with organic materials finely ground. A first study by Lunt and Jacobson (1944) showed that flows into the soil plowed, Connecticut, USA, is about three times the concentration of exchangeable Mg, seven times of P and K eleven times available the top 150 mm soil. Recent studies (AN Sharpley and JK Syers, 1977) on the chemical nature of P on the surface of casts collected from a pasture soil in New Zealand indicated that the surface casts contain about four times more weakly bound inorganic P and twice weakly bound organic P in soil beneath. Greater isotopic exchangeability of inorganic P in the cast was associated with greater liberalization of inorganic P from castings . the amount of weak links inorganic P extracted freshly deposited throws increased with the incubation time, whereas the release of organic P showed the opposite trend, consistent with changes in phosphatase activities. Similar differences in amounts of extractable NH4-N (ammonia nitrogen) and NO3-N (nitrate nitrogen) between the surface and throws underlying soil have also been obtained, (JK Syers, AN Sharpley and DR Keeney, 1979). ; institutional culture worm to harvest worm cast in India A number of institutions in India are engaged in the cultivation for harvesting worm worm casts. To name a few, the names of those Institutions are thus as New College, Chennai, Navdanya Trust, Dehradun, INORA, Pune and Bhawalkar Earthworm Research Institute (BERI), Pune. BERI, Pune is doing so on a commercial basis, the export abroad where he throws money is selling well. These institutes, however, different species of earthworms to crop harvest to castings. BERI example chose Phérétime elongata, New College, and Lampito mauritii Octochaetona serrata, Navdanya, Eisenia foetida and INORA three epigeic worm species, herbivores such as Eisenia foetida, and indigenous euginae Eudrilus excavatus Paronychia. The author agrees with INORA for the sake of biodiversity, but knows only Eisenia foetida is the best in large measure scale commercial exploitation of worm cast is concerned. Potentially, these three species are more or less the same setting, but Eisenia be more docile to them, is more suitable for cultivation. While Eudrilus, are becoming large size may produce more castings Eisenia in the same period. wise soil fertility Eisenia castings are stronger than others. The author therefore recommends Eisenia foetida (60%), euginiae Eudrilus (30% ) and native excavatus paronychia (10%) in the culture for vermicomposting. Factors Influencing the culture of

> Earthworms 1. oxygen requirements
Earthworms are animals breathe oxygen and absorb oxygen directly through their skin. Oxygen is dissolved in the mucous lining of the skin of the worm, then passes through the skin and walls of capillaries lacing the skin where blood is sensed by the hemoglobin and transported throughout the body.
2.
Humidity requirements Moisture is critical to the survival of earthworms as any other animal, but in earthworms, it offers the possibility to absorb oxygen. To facilitate the absorption of oxygen, the skin is very thin and porous, which means that the humidity inside the body cavity can be easily evaporated, especially in dry environments. The moisture range for most worm species is 60-85%, which ensures the worm to absorb much moisture from the environment which can be lost through evaporation. Therefore, earthworms need a more humid environment than most other animals.
3. The temperature requirements
specific requirements and temperature tolerances vary from species to species, if the ideal range for most worm species aboveground is approximately between 60-800 F. The worm’s ability to tolerate temperatures outside of the ideal, is strongly dependent moisture level in the system, with hot, dry conditions is the most deadly combination for the worms.
4.
nutritional needs Earthworms lack teeth in the mouth and enough digestive enzymes into the intestine. They rely instead on micro-organisms in organic matter to rot and soften so that it can be ingested, then relying on naturally occurring bacteria and fungi in their gut to digest food. In the process of making biologically active organic matter predigested, the earthworm also ingests small particles of sand and soil, which lodge in their gizzard very muscular. As organic matter with the coating of microbial mass to move through the gizzard, they are ground against the gritty particles lodged there, and breaks into small pieces, making it easier for agencies to complete gut and digestion absorption of nutrients in the
However, researchers now know that this is not the organic matter itself, but on the body of living microbial decomposition of organic matter that epigeic earthworms derive most of their nutrients are most critical. Once thought to be detritus (debris) feeders, we now understand that earthworms are actually predators of microbial life, s’ pressing microscopic bacteria, fungi, protozoa and algae as their main source of nutrition. Thus, everything that will support microbial activity, which is all that rot, is likely to agree that food for earthworms. Materials to support the highest level of activity of earthworms are those who argue most people and most diverse microbial life.
5. pH requirements < br /> As micro-organisms decompose organic matter complicated, it goes through a series of natural changes of pH. Because earthworms thrive in environments rich in organic matter decomposition, they are adapted to tolerate these pH fluctuations with little or no change in their level of activity of the body. In nature, the worms are found in environments with a pH range of 4-9, with physiological levels and to differing reproductive about 4 acids they are an alkaline 9. In fact, all things being equal, earthworms prefer an environment with a pH of 5 to 5. 5, contrary to popular belief that they prefer neutral pH. Tolerance of this pH range, it is highly unlikely for pH is a limiting factor in any system of worm. In addition, the adjustment radical and artificial pH by adding agents buffers, such as lime can have a negative effect on the worms. The organisms in a given environment of organic debris are there because they have adapted to this environment, with all this fluctuation can occur naturally throughout the decomposition process . When the nature of the system is suddenly and radically changed, it forces many of these organizations in sleep and sometimes kill outright, reducing the availability of nutrition for the worms and potentially slowing the rate of transformation of organic matter leading to a slower pace of growth and reproduction.
The addition of lime to every system of the worm is generally discouraged, except in extremely rare cases where the pH has dropped well below the level verses of tolerance.
6. Response to light
All earthworms are photophobic some extent, meaning that they react negatively to light. The severity reaction depends on the species of worm, how bright the light and the light level at which the worm is accustomed. example, earthworms accustomed to a certain exposure to light reacts less negatively to light sudden intense as to become accustomed to blackouts. Some species of earthworms react negatively to bright light, but are in fact attracted by the dark light. Earthworms sense light through photoreceptors deposited on their surface dorsal and the prostomium (sensitive lobe of tissue overhanging the mouth that the worm uses to probe and sense its environment).
7.
Reproduction Earthworms are hermaphroditic, meaning each worm has both male and female reproductive organs. Some species of earthworms self fertile, which means that they fertilize their ova to produce young, and some species are parthenogenetic, which means that the eggs can develop in young without fertilization. However, these cases are very rare. Most species of earthworms need two sperm to the exchange between them to produce young. Where to s ‘accouplent they lie side by side with their heads pointed in opposite directions, making close contact along the upper body segments. They secrete a mucous membrane between them, preventing them from being easily pulled apart and ensuring environmental conditions such as rain or dew does not interfere with their exchange of semen. Spermatozoa exchanged are stored in the spermathecae located in the anterior segments before the clitellum. Once they exchange sperm, a process that can take hours worms separate and eject their own eggs through the pore women on their skin surface in the clitellum. They secrete a thick mass of mucus in the clitellum, which hardens on the outside still, but tights underneath, forming a tape on which the worm back, drawing the band on his head. As the belt passes over the eggs spermthecae, sperm are pushed out and mix with eggs. Once the worm has completely withdrawn from the strip of mucosa hardened, the ends close forming a cocoon with sperm and eggs inside, and fertilization occurs. Each worm will continue to produce cocoons until they have used all the sperm they receive their comrades. The length of time it takes to minors within the cocoon to mature and bloom, and the number of juvenile per cocoon depends on the species of worm and environmental regulations.
Worms are a closed species, meaning they can produce viable young than in the sperm of members of their own species. They can not be hybridized. In the rare case where two lines of different species have attempted to mate, was not the result of young people currently in production or, in rare instances, juvenile products were sterile. The author has observed in mixed cultures with Eisenia of Paronychia, there were a few hybrids.
the cocoon is an incredibly strong structure, designed to protect the interior of youth environmental extremes and even swallowed by other animals. Cocoons can be frozen, submerged in the water for long periods of time dried and exposed to temperatures well beyond what can be tolerated by adult worms without damage to young worms inside. The cocoon can even be eaten by other animals, provided he can passed to the teeth, survive the digestive process and passing on the body of the animal feces. In areas of extreme weather conditions, it is likely that the adult members of epigeic worm species do not survive, but the cocoons do repopulate the environment when environmental conditions return to normal range that can support the activity of worms.
cocoons are easily found on the bed worm. They are about the size of a grapeseed and large similar shape, with a rounded end and one set at a certain point. In the first rose from the body of the mother of the cocoon is a cream, yellow pearl, darkening to a brown cola as young inward mature and prepare to leave.
species of earthworms used in vermiculture taxonomists
worm identified thousands of species of worm individual, but only five or six of them were identified as useful in vermicomposting systems to date. These species have been assessed on the basis of their ability to tolerate a wide range of fluctuating environmental conditions, handling and disruption of the worm bed, and for their growth and reproduction rates. earthworm species with a relatively short lifespan, rapid growth and reproduction rates, have been identified as the most effective, especially because it is the high concentration of juveniles present in their populations. juvenile worms, like human teenagers, are voracious consumer, keeping the rate of transformation of the system high and ensuring an unending succession of young worms.
The rate of growth and reproduction of each worm species are below the maximum under ideal conditions. These rates may decrease, however, with changes in the environmental conditions within that system away from the ideal. The nature and character of these worms vermicomposting important are discussed below
1. Eisenia fetida / Eisenia andrei (common name: Red Worm)
The two species of worms are presented together because in virtually all cultures of E. foetida, E. andrei is present. andrei E. resembles both E. fetida in behavior, environmental requirements, reproductive and growth rates, and appearance that the only way to distinguish between the two is by protein analysis. There is no apparent physical differences between the two species. For all practical purposes, these worms can be considered identical. Eisenia foetida is generally worm mentioned only because the two are so closely linked and that E. fetida is generally the most populous of the two.
Eisenia fetida / Eisenia andrei are worm species identified as most useful in vermicomposting systems and easier to grow in high density culture because they tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions and fluctuations and handling and disruption to their environment in all species identified for this purpose. E. fetida / E. andrei are also common to almost all land areas of the planet, which means he is hardly concerned about the importation of exotic species to an environment where potentially they could cause damage. This species is considered a worm The worm first order for most applications, a worm is relatively low, not always suitable for use as bait, therefore, made to crops. The criteria for culture and the qualities of this case are as follows:
Temperature: minimum, 380 F, maximum range, 880 F, ideal, 700 F to 800 F.
reproduction rate: Approximately 10 youth per worm per week under ideal conditions. ” , br /> The average number of young per cocoon: Approximately three (average).
time to emergence from the cocoon: Approximately 30-75 days in ideal conditions.
The time of sexual maturity: Approximately 85-150 days under ideal conditions.
food choice / favorite food: fresh cow dung.
2. euginae Eudrilus (common name : African night crawler)
This worm is a worm very temperamental to grow in culture and tends to crawl for no particular reason. It is often used exclusively in the market for production casting. Commercializing this worm as bait or for land reclamation has been very limited. It produces typical cast is no better than any other casting except for looks. This worm is often marketed as “red worm ‘to lure unsuspecting dealer . It is very easy to keep these lines of temperature between 70 to 80 degrees F to promote the production of capsules. However, they are very prolific feeders and ranchers.
This worm is a semi-tropical species, which means it is not easy to tolerate cool temperatures and is usually grown indoors or under controlled conditions of temperature in most regions of North America. eugeniae E. is well suited for use as a bait worm, but does not tolerate handling or disruption to its environment. euginiae E. worm is a large (adults reach 14 cm in length) which is developing rapidly, taking as little as five weeks to reach maturity, and is extremely prolific (Dominguez et al., 2001). His eating habits (food surface, the deposits of its models on the surface), it is poorly suited for some systems of vermin composting, such as raised beds fed portico (Borges et al., 2003). euginiae E. has an optimal temperature range narrower, between 20-29 º C (Neuhauser et al., 1988), the other worms vermicomposting, and as such is better suited for the tropics and temperate applications. Individuals have been known to perish above30 º C (Loehr et al. 1985; Viljoen and Reinecke, 1992; Domínguez et al., 2001). Moreover, this species is more sensitive to disturbances that Eisenia foetida and can sometimes migrate from the breeding room (Dominguez et al., 2001). Notwithstanding these drawbacks euginiae E. is able to convert quickly a wide range of organic materials vermicompost during a relatively short period of time. eugeniae Eudrilus completes its life cycle in about 65-80 days. Although earthworms are bisexuals, their mode of reproduction is by cross-fertilization. Adult worms take 15-21 days after copulation to lay cocoons (about 400 cocoons in two months). Again 15-21 days are taken to hatch eggs present inside the cocoon in the newborn. Newborns reach adulthood in 35-60 days.
This species is used in some systems vermicomposting around the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia including India. The specific qualities of this species are:
Temperature: minimum, 450 F, maximum capacity, 900 F, ideal; 700 F to 800F.
reproduction rate: Approximately 7 young per worm per week under ideal conditions.
The average number of young per cocoon: Approximately 2 (on average). .
time to emerge from the cocoon: Approximately 15-30 days under ideal conditions.
The time of sexual maturity: Approximately 30-95 days in ideal conditions.
food choice: the partially decomposed cow dung and water hyacinth precomposted.
3. Paronychia excavatus (common name, Indian blue worm or simply, India Blue) This worm is known for its mass migration to the rainfall on the plateau and was found on top of buildings for storms. Some authors seem to think that the presence of a toxin produced by anaerobic bacteria that cause this mass migration of the early rains. This worm is a prolific and consumes large quantities of organic waste. The author uses a combination of this species with euginiae Eudrilus and the red worm (Eisenia foetida) in worm composting organic waste mixtures. Red worms and Eudrilus to consume food that is “dung” below the surface and feed on the surface. Whereas Paronychia is strictly a top loader feeds exclusively on leaves and