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The Earthworm Inoculation Unit Technique: Development and Use in Soil Improvement Over Two Decades

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Book cover Biology of Earthworms

Part of the book series: Soil Biology ((SOILBIOL,volume 24))

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Abstract

Degraded or unproductive soils may require any number of physical, chemical and/or biological steps to bring about rehabilitation. This chapter focuses on a method to encourage the natural engineering qualities of soil dwelling earthworms to assist soil improvement. Twenty years ago, the Earthworm Inoculation Unit (EIU) technique was devised to link cultivation of selected species with direct soil introduction. Results have demonstrated that this technique can have superior outcomes compared with more traditional earthworm inoculation. Trials were mainly conducted on reclaimed land, but results from agro-ecosystems have also been positive. The EIU technique, though shown to be effective, may not have been explored as fully as possible and warrants further exploitation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Central Lancashire, School of Built and Natural Environment, PR1 2HE, Preston, UK

    Kevin Richard Butt

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  1. Kevin Richard Butt
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Correspondence to Kevin Richard Butt .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Fac. Agriculture, Dept. Soil Science, Ankara University, Ankara, 06110, Turkey

    Ayten Karaca

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Butt, K.R. (2011). The Earthworm Inoculation Unit Technique: Development and Use in Soil Improvement Over Two Decades. In: Karaca, A. (eds) Biology of Earthworms. Soil Biology, vol 24. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14636-7_6

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