Summary
This meta-analysis synthesises evidence that earthworm presence in agroecosystems increases crop yield by approximately 25% and aboveground biomass by 23% on average. The magnitude of these effects is contingent on soil residue management, earthworm density, and fertilisation regime; benefits are greatest when crop residue is retained but diminish when soil nitrogen availability is high, suggesting earthworms primarily enhance plant growth by mineralising nitrogen from organic matter.
Regional applicability
The findings are globally derived and directly applicable to United Kingdom farming practice, particularly for farmers operating under organic or low-input systems where nitrogen from mineral fertiliser is limited or unavailable. The emphasis on crop residue retention and earthworm-mediated nutrient cycling aligns with regenerative and conservation agriculture principles being promoted in UK soil health policy.
Key measures
Crop yield (% increase), aboveground biomass (% increase), modulating factors: crop residue presence, earthworm density, fertilisation type and rate, soil nitrogen availability
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the effect of earthworm presence on crop yields and aboveground biomass across multiple studies using meta-analysis. It assessed how crop residue, earthworm density, fertilisation type and rate, and soil nitrogen availability modulate these effects.
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