Role of earthworms in regenerating soil structure after compaction in reduced tillage systems - Archive ouverte HAL
Article Dans Une Revue Soil Biology and Biochemistry Année : 2012

Role of earthworms in regenerating soil structure after compaction in reduced tillage systems

Résumé

New non-tillage or reduced tillage agricultural practises are being increasingly adopted but generally result in higher soil compaction. Due to their recognised physical influence mainly through burrow creation, it is often claimed that earthworm activity could alleviate soil compaction in these systems. To put this assumption to the test, an experimental compaction event was carried out on one plot of arable land. The abundance and biomass of earthworms were evaluated in compacted (under wheel tracks) and non-compacted (between wheel tracks) zones, seven times over a two-year period. In addition, the functional consequences of earthworm activity, defined by burrow abundance assessed in 2D and 3D and water infiltration, were measured three times over the same period. The short-term (less than three months) effects of the compaction were clear: soil bulk density increased from 1.46 to 1.57 g cm À3 , the abundance and biomass of earthworms were greatly reduced (À40% and À70% respectively) and the number and continuity of macroporosity were lower under wheel tracks at least until a depth of 30 cm. After these initial detrimental effects, we observed a rapid recovery of earthworm populations with no statistical difference between compacted and control zones more than three months after the compaction. However, the recovery of soil functional properties linked to earthworm activity, macro-porosity and water infiltration, was much slower and took between 12 and 24 months. Despite these modifications, there were no significant changes in soil bulk density with time during the two-year period. This study demonstrates that earthworms are important actors in the regeneration of com-pacted soil. Although the complete regeneration of compacted soil by earthworms is a slow process, agricultural practises that promote earthworm density and activity should be encouraged in reduced or minimum tillage systems.

Dates et versions

hal-01315346 , version 1 (13-05-2016)

Identifiants

Citer

Yvan Capowiez, Samartino Stéphane, Stéphane Cadoux, Bouchant Pierre, Guy Richard, et al.. Role of earthworms in regenerating soil structure after compaction in reduced tillage systems. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2012, 55, pp.93-103. ⟨10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.06.013⟩. ⟨hal-01315346⟩
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