Earthworms, Ecological Processes, and Climate Change

Gase emissions from soil are one of the most important sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs). As well as one-fifth of all global CO2 emissions, soil contributes CH4 emissions (approximately one-third) and N2O emission (roughly two-thirds). GHGs are produced in soil during various biological processes. Earthworms play a fundamental role in the balance of soil GHG. However, the general influence of earthworms on the balance of GHG in the soil may seem uncomplicated; thus, a deeper look into earthworm activities, soil physicochemical processes, and soil GHG emissions is required to further understand the general impact of earthworms on GHG balance in soils. In a study, earthworm impact on CO2 and N2O emissions may be opposite in that they might boost emissions of CO2 while reducing N2O emissions or vice versa at the same time. This illustrates the intricacy of interactions between earthworms, other soil biota, and environmental factors. Studies have concluded that earthworms increase the amount of net greenhouse gas emissions from soil. Earthworms increased the emission of N2O and CO2 by 42 and 33%, respectively. There was a 16% boost in the soil net global warming potential caused by earthworms when both CO2 and N2O emissions were measured. According to my research, I believe that the anticipated changes in communities of earthworms in the following decades would have a major impact on (and likely increase) soil GHG emissions. As of yet, it is unclear how earthworms can negate increases in GHG emissions caused by their stimulating impacts on net primary production. It is overall necessary to conduct (i) research on undisturbed soils without earthworm activity legacy, (ii) long-run research, (iii) field research (particularly in natural ecosystems), and (iv) research of plant growing systems.