Earthworms Transport Agents of Micro-plastic in Soil
Mulani SI
Lokmangal Science and Entrepreneurship College, Wadala, Maharashtra, India.
Dalavi VM *
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211 007, India.
Katkar RR
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211 007, India.
Varale DD
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211 007, India.
Gortyl AS
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211 007, India.
Khose PJ
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211 007, India.
Namde TB
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211 007, India.
Sutar NS
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj-211 007, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Earthworm activity results in vermicomposting rich in vitamins, growth hormones, proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulose, chitinase, and immobilized microflora and macro and micronutrients. After the enzymes are expelled from the worms, they still break down organic materials. The benefits of using vermicomposting in agricultural production include decreased water use for irrigation, reduced pest and termite attacks, decreased weed growth, faster seed germination and rapid seedling growth and development, more fruits per plant (in vegetable crops), and more seeds produced annually (in cereal crops). Without using agrochemicals, vermicomposting and earthworms can increase horticulture output. Vermicomposting has advantages, although its application is still relatively new. This review aims to raise awareness about this particular local soil amendment.
Keywords: Earthworms, micro plastics, soil