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Earthworm Inoculation Improves Upland Rice Crop Yield and Other Agrosystem Services in Madagascar

Author

Listed:
  • Onja Ratsiatosika

    (Laboratoire des Radio-Isotopes, University of Antananarivo, BP 3383, Route d’Andraisoro, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar)

  • Malalatiana Razafindrakoto

    (Laboratoire des Radio-Isotopes, University of Antananarivo, BP 3383, Route d’Andraisoro, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar)

  • Tantely Razafimbelo

    (Laboratoire des Radio-Isotopes, University of Antananarivo, BP 3383, Route d’Andraisoro, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar)

  • Michel Rabenarivo

    (Laboratoire des Radio-Isotopes, University of Antananarivo, BP 3383, Route d’Andraisoro, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar)

  • Thierry Becquer

    (Eco&Sols, Institut Agro, University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAe, IRD, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France)

  • Laetitia Bernard

    (Eco&Sols, Institut Agro, University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAe, IRD, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France)

  • Jean Trap

    (Eco&Sols, Institut Agro, University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAe, IRD, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France)

  • Eric Blanchart

    (Eco&Sols, Institut Agro, University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAe, IRD, 2 Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France)

Abstract

The effects of earthworm inoculation and cropping systems on upland rice systems were examined over a four-year period in the Highlands of Madagascar. Each year, endogeic earthworms Pontoscolex corethrurus (Rhinodrilidae) were inoculated (EW+) at a density of 75 ind m −2 or were not inoculated (EW0). Inoculation was tested in three cropping systems: conservation agriculture (CA) and traditional tillage with or without residues restitution. Soil and plant properties were measured during the first three years while soil biological properties were assessed at the fourth year. At the end of the experiment, earthworm density was three-fold higher in EW+ than in EW0, demonstrating the success of the inoculation. Earthworm density was more important in CA than in tillage systems. Earthworm inoculation had higher significant effects on soil and plant properties than cropping systems. Earthworm inoculation had positive effects on soil macroaggregation (+43%), aboveground biomass (+27%), rice grain yield (+45%), and N grain amount (+43%). Intensifying earthworm activity in field conditions to meet the challenge of ecological transition is supported by our study.

Suggested Citation

  • Onja Ratsiatosika & Malalatiana Razafindrakoto & Tantely Razafimbelo & Michel Rabenarivo & Thierry Becquer & Laetitia Bernard & Jean Trap & Eric Blanchart, 2021. "Earthworm Inoculation Improves Upland Rice Crop Yield and Other Agrosystem Services in Madagascar," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:11:y:2021:i:1:p:60-:d:479459
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Weixin Zhang & Paul F. Hendrix & Lauren E. Dame & Roger A. Burke & Jianping Wu & Deborah A. Neher & Jianxiong Li & Yuanhu Shao & Shenglei Fu, 2013. "Earthworms facilitate carbon sequestration through unequal amplification of carbon stabilization compared with mineralization," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-9, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yin Zhang & Mei Guan & Can Chen & Ren Wang & Guangdong Lv & Huang Huang & Chunyun Guan, 2022. "A Symbiotic System of Irrigated Rice–Earthworm Improves Soil Properties and Rice Growth in Southern China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-20, May.

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