The mechanism of earthworms’ impact on soil aggregates under different moisture conditions

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Earthworms play a pivotal role in shaping soil structure, and their impact on soil aggregates varies significantly under different moisture conditions. Through burrowing, casting, and the ingestion–excretion process, earthworms physically break down large soil clods and reassemble particles into stable macroaggregates enriched with organic matter and microbial communities. Under optimal moisture levels, their activity is intensified, promoting the formation of water-stable aggregates as mucus secretions act as binding agents that enhance particle cohesion. In moderately moist soils, earthworm casts improve aggregate stability, porosity, and aeration, facilitating root penetration and nutrient cycling. However, under excessively wet conditions, reduced oxygen availability may limit earthworm mobility and microbial interactions, thereby weakening aggregation processes. Conversely, in dry soils, decreased earthworm activity and limited mucus production reduce aggregate formation and stabilization. The dynamic interaction between soil moisture, biological activity, and organic matter transformation highlights earthworms as ecosystem engineers that regulate soil aggregation, carbon sequestration, and overall soil fertility across varying hydrological environments.

#Earthworms #SoilAggregates #SoilMoisture #SoilStructure #Macroaggregates #SoilBiology #SoilHealth #CarbonSequestration #SoilEcology #SustainableAgriculture#WorldResearchAwards#ResearchAwards #AcademicAwards#ScienceAwards#GlobalResearchAwards




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