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

Onja Ratsiatosika, Malalatiana Razafindrakoto, Tantely Razafimbelo, Michel Rabenarivo, Thierry Becquer, Laetitia Bernard, Jean Trap and Eric Blanchart
Additional contact information
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

Agriculture, 2021, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-14

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.

Keywords: Pontoscolex corethrurus; soil ecological intensification; Ferralsols; soil macroaggregates; rice growth; rice yield (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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