Effect of vermicomposting on microbial biomass in contaminated soil

Declining soil quality (SQ) is emerging as an environmental and economic issue of increasing global concern as degraded soils are becoming more prevalent due to intensive use and poor management, often the result of over-population. Pressing problems such as erosion, compaction, acidification, organic matter losses, nutrient losses and desertification reduce agricultural production capacity. SQ decline severely impacts the environment and agricultural viability, and thus ecosystems and the population's health, food security, and livelihoods. Tests to monitor air and water quality have been standardized and widely adopted internationally. Earthworms, which improve soil productivity and fertility, have a critical influence on soil structure. Earthworms bring about physical, chemical and biological changes in the soil through their activities and thus are recognised as soil managers. Soil organic matter (SOM) plays an important role in maintaining the productivity of tropical soils because it provides energy and substrates, and promotes the biological diversity that helps to maintain soil quality and ecosystem functionality. SOM directly influences soil quality, due to its effect on soil properties.