Earthworms and arthropods: larger partners in living soil
Earthworms and arthropods fragment residues, move materials and participate in feeding relationships. Their activity connects microbiology with structure, water and plant nutrition.
Earthworms transform residues
Earthworms consume organic materials and the microorganisms growing on them. In the Soil Biology Primer, Clive Edwards describes how passage through their gut fragments material and stimulates microbial activity.
Burrows become pathways
Movement creates pores and burrows. Some species make deep, lasting pathways supporting infiltration and root growth. Their casts form aggregates of soil and organic matter.
Arthropods have different roles
Andrew Moldenke’s chapter includes springtails, mites, beetles, woodlice and myriapods. Some fragment residues, others consume fungi, and predators feed on other organisms. Their feeding functions matter to the whole community.
Biological structure begins with microbes
The Soil Food Web School describes bacterial substances forming microaggregates and fungal hyphae connecting them into larger structures, with space for air, water and roots. Larger organisms’ activity and material movements combine with this microbial foundation.
What yield research found
A 2014 meta-analysis by van Groenigen and colleagues synthesised earthworm experiments in agricultural systems. Average crop yield increased by 25% and aboveground biomass by 23%. Effects were related to residue management and nitrogen availability. These percentages describe averages across the analysed studies.
Observation beyond the microscope
Field records can include worms, burrows, casts and arthropods under surface cover. Consistent sample size and depth, records of moisture and season, and repeated procedures make observations comparable. Abundant earthworms and arthropods are an indicator of food web function and an objective of our interventions.
Our field work
We plan to connect olive grove microscopy with field records of earthworms and arthropods, following the whole community in accordance with our School training.