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چکیده
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Soil science encompasses two fundamental concepts, soil quality and health, which are closely intertwined with soil functions and ecosystem services. Earthworms, recognized as keystone species and ecosystem engineers, constitute the largest portion of animal biomass in soils and serve as vital indicators within the soil quality-health-function nexus. This review article examines the pivotal role of earthworms in ecosystem services, including the development of soil structure, nutrient cycling, and regulation of water regimes, primary production, and pollution reduction. Globally, earthworms exert a significant influence on soil carbon dynamics, particularly in dryland ecosystems, and their impact is anticipated to increase in the future. However, it remains challenging to ascertain whether earthworms function predominantly as a net sink or source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) within soil systems. While these active soil organisms enhance soil carbon sequestration, they also contribute to the emission of GHG sources (CO2 and N2O). Consequently, earthworm community activity serves as a valuable indicator of soil quality and health, particularly in response to various management practices or ecosystem disturbances. A comprehensive understanding of the functional roles of earthworm communities is therefore essential. Developing multivariate soil health indices that incorporate both the ecosystem services and disservices mediated by earthworms will help bridge the gap between ecological theory and practical land management. This approach is crucial for addressing global challenges related to soil sustainability.
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