ABSTRACT
Earthworm Ecology, Second Edition updates the most comprehensive work available on earthworm ecology with extensive revisions of the original chapters. New chapters analyze the history of earthworm research, the importance of earthworms as representatives of soil fauna and how they affect plant growth, the effects of the invasion of exotic earthworms into North America and other regions, and vermiculture and vermicomposting in Europe.This well-illustrated, expansive study examines the important and often overlooked impact earthworms have on the environment. It discusses the impact of climate, soil properties, predation, disease and parasitism, and competition upon earthworm ecology.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|49 pages
Introduction
part II|38 pages
Earthworm Taxonomy, Diversity, and Biogeography
part III|53 pages
Earthworm Biology, Ecology, Behavior, and Physiology
part IV|38 pages
Influence of Earthworms on Soil Organic Matter Dynamics, Nutrient Dynamics, and Microbial Ecology
part V|30 pages
Effects of Earthworms on Soil Physical Properties and Function
part VI|49 pages
Interactions of Earthworms with Microorganisms, Invertebrates, and Plants
part VII|35 pages
Earthworms in Agroecosystems
part VIII|46 pages
Earthworms and Environmental Pollution
part IX|82 pages
Earthworms in Waste Management