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Valuing earthworm contribution to ecosystem services delivery

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  • Schon, N.L.
  • Dominati, E.J.

Abstract

The contribution of earthworms to soil quality and the provision of ecosystem services is widely recognised, however, few studies have tried to quantify the value of their contribution. In this study, we use variables measured in a mesocosm study to value the contribution of earthworms to provisioning and regulating services under both sheep grazed and dairy grazed systems using monetary valuation techniques where possible. The contribution of earthworms to ecosystem services were determined using the relative value differences between two earthworm treatments. Earthworms contributed to a number of ecosystem services. The greatest contribution of earthworms in these pastoral systems was through the provision of food quantity (NZD $356–1,001/ha). While we recognise the subjectivity and limitations of economic valuation of ecosystem services, we encourage further studies to bridge the gap between soil ecology, farm system analysis and economics, in order to better understand the relative contributions of soil biodiversity to farm systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Schon, N.L. & Dominati, E.J., 2020. "Valuing earthworm contribution to ecosystem services delivery," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 43(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoser:v:43:y:2020:i:c:s2212041620300346
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101092
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    1. Dominati, E.J. & Mackay, A. & Lynch, B. & Heath, N. & Millner, I., 2014. "An ecosystem services approach to the quantification of shallow mass movement erosion and the value of soil conservation practices," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 9(C), pages 204-215.
    2. Sandhu, Harpinder S. & Wratten, Stephen D. & Cullen, Ross & Case, Brad, 2008. "The future of farming: The value of ecosystem services in conventional and organic arable land. An experimental approach," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 64(4), pages 835-848, February.
    3. Dominati, E. & Mackay, A. & Green, S. & Patterson, M., 2014. "A soil change-based methodology for the quantification and valuation of ecosystem services from agro-ecosystems: A case study of pastoral agriculture in New Zealand," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 119-129.
    4. Dominati, Estelle & Patterson, Murray & Mackay, Alec, 2010. "A framework for classifying and quantifying the natural capital and ecosystem services of soils," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 69(9), pages 1858-1868, July.
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