Habitat and Ecology of Terrestrial Earthworms

Terrestrial earthworms commonly living under rocks and logs and utilizing moisture are known to play a dominant role in soil ecology and ecosystem sustainability. They thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soils, particularly in agricultural fields and gardens, where their activities enhance soil fertility through decomposition and nutrient recycling. Their diversity of habitats, ranging from puddles to forests, highlights the adaptability of earthworms and their importance in diverse ecosystems. Their burrowing activities improve soil structure, aeration, and water infiltration, benefiting agricultural productivity. Their presence is linked to increased microbial activity and nutrient availability, supporting plant growth and biodiversity conservation. In this chapter we discuss the habitat and ecology of terrestrial earthworms, highlighting studies on Indian earthworms. India is known for its rich biodiversity.