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Earthworm Burrowing Activity and Its Effects on Soil Hydraulic Properties under Different Soil Moisture Conditions from the Loess Plateau, China

Author

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  • Shuhai Wen

    (Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modelling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
    College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China)

  • Ming’an Shao

    (Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modelling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
    College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
    State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
    Present address: 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.)

  • Jiao Wang

    (Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modelling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
    Present address: 11A, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.)

Abstract

Earthworm activity has become more important in the Loess Plateau, where hydrological processes are crucial for ecosystem sustainability. In this study, we conducted a laboratory microcosm experiment to determine the various burrowing activities of Eisenia fetida and their impact on the soil hydraulic properties in response to different levels of soil moisture (50%, 70%, 90% of field capacity) in two common soil types (loessial and Lou soil) obtained from the Loess Plateau. Burrowing activity of E. fetida increased with higher soil moisture and was greater in loessial than in Lou soil. Most burrowing activities occurred within the top 5 cm and decreased with increasing soil depth. Macropores and burrow branching, which are highly related to the earthworm burrowing, were more prevalent in wetter soil. Earthworms significantly altered the formation of large soil aggregates (AG L , diameter >2 mm) under different soil moistures and depths. Distinct earthworm burrowing activities, controlled by soil moisture, altered soil hydraulic properties. However, soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) showed little differences between different treatments due to the horizontal and high–branched burrows of E. fetida , although higher burrowing activities were found in wetter soil. Soil field capacity was highest in drier soil due to the less macropores and burrowing activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuhai Wen & Ming’an Shao & Jiao Wang, 2020. "Earthworm Burrowing Activity and Its Effects on Soil Hydraulic Properties under Different Soil Moisture Conditions from the Loess Plateau, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:21:p:9303-:d:442319
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhihong Zhang & Yali Wu & Vi Khanh Truong & Dongguang Zhang, 2021. "Earthworm ( Eisenia fetida ) Mucus Inspired Bionic Fertilizer to Stimulate Maize ( Zea mays L.) Growth," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-21, April.

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