Ecosystem Services Provided by Earthworms: A global Perspective with Special Reference to India
Authors: Sweta Subarna
Published: July 2025 | Volume 1, Issue 1, OM04
Abstract
Earthworms, often referred to as "ecosystem engineers," play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and sustaining ecosystem functions. These subterranean invertebrates contribute significantly to various ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling, soil structure improvement, carbon sequestration, water regulation, and pest control. Their activities influence both biotic and abiotic components of the soil environment, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the diverse ecosystem services provided by earthworms, emphasizing their importance at both global and regional scales, particularly in the Indian context. Recent studies from 2024 have further highlighted the potential of earthworms in mitigating climate change through carbon stabilization and enhancing resilience in agroecosystems. The review also discusses challenges such as habitat degradation, pesticide use, and climate change that threaten earthworm populations and, consequently, the services they provide. By integrating scientific findings from global research and local Indian studies, this article underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management practices that conserve earthworm communities to ensure long-term ecological and agricultural sustainability.
Keywords: Earthworms, Ecosystem services, Soil health, Nutrient cycling, Carbon sequestration, Agroecology, India, Climate change mitigation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15801634
Click below to Download Article
