Effects of Earthworms (Allolobophora longa) on Potassium, Zinc and Manganese Availability Enhancement in a Clay Loam Soil

Abd El-Rahim, Mahmoud Gamal Mohamed; Abdel-Aziz, Nashaat Mahmoud; Abdel-Mageed, Mohammed; El-Sayed, Amro Ramadan

doi:10.21608/ejss.2024.331027.1902

Effects of Earthworms (Allolobophora longa) on Potassium, Zinc and Manganese Availability Enhancement in a Clay Loam Soil

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Soils and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt

² Agricultural Zoloogy and Nematology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524. Egypt

³ Agricultural Zoloogy and Nematology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut branch, Egypt

⁴ Agricultural Zoloogy and Nematology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypyt

10.21608/ejss.2024.331027.1902

Abstract

Abstract
EARTHWORMS contribute significantly to nutrients availability for plant growth. An incubation soil trial inoculated with adult individuals of earthworm species Allolobophora Longa (S+AL) was conducted under controlled conditions to study the role of the earthworm on some nutrients availability in a clay loam soil. The control treatment was conducted without earthworms (S). The experiment period was contained for 90 days. The results showed that the earthworm-inoculated soil reduced soil bulk density by 6.9% and soil reaction (pH) by 0.16 unit. Soil salinity (EC) of the S+Al treatment was higher than that of untreated soil. The treated soil with arthworms was superior in its total N and P content compared to non-treated soil. Considering the role of earthworms in nutrients availability enhancement, there was a significant correlation between the presence of the A. longa earthworms and the increase of extractable potassium by 56% compared to the untreated soil. In terms of nutrients availability, the S+Al realized higher levels of the extractable zinc, iron and manganese, except copper, which decreased compared to untreated soil. The opptained results showed positive impact of A. long earthworm on realsing of the soil elements and decompating of soil which are criuial to build a healthy soils. In addition, applying of A. longa earthworm species into the soil could be an alternative approach for releasing nutrients from their pools especially under organic farming.

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