Cattle Manure and Lumbricus Terrestris Improve Soil Properties
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigated the individual and combined effects of an organic amendment (composted cattle manure) and anecic earthworm activity (Lumbricus terrestris) on the physico-chemical properties of a loamy-clay soil from the coastal region Bejaia (Algeria), characterized by a sub-humid climate. A field experiment was conducted using six 1 m2 quadrats; the three containing earthworms were enclosed by metal plates (70 cm deep) to prevent migration. Treatment consisted of three manure application doses (0%, 2% and 4% organic matter) combined with two earthworm conditions (absence or presence of 100 individuals). Principal component analysis (APC) revealed a notable effect of treatments combining compost and earthworms on structure stability, permeability, porosity, moisture content, C/N ratio and pH. The combined application of 4% manure and 100 earthworms resulted in the most pronounced improvements, with permeability increasing from 0.14 to 0.83 cm h-1 and porosity from 29.07% to 54.13%. In parallel, the structural instability index decreased from 20.09 to 3.35, alongside a reduction in water content from 38.2% to 27.4%. This results suggest a complementary effect between earthworm activity and organic matter addition, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and soil health in sub-humid regions. Longer-term experiments are needed to confirm these trends.
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225335652