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

The effects of earthworm inoculation and cropping systems on upland rice were examined over a four-year period in the Highlands Madagascar. Each year, endogeic earthworms Pontoscolex corethrurus (Rhinodrilidae) inoculated (EW+) at density 75 ind m?2 or not (EW0). Inoculation was tested three systems: conservation agriculture (CA) traditional tillage with without residues restitution. Soil plant properties measured during first years while soil biological assessed fourth year. At end experiment, three-fold higher EW+ than EW0, demonstrating success inoculation. Earthworm more important CA systems. had significant positive macroaggregation (+43%), aboveground biomass (+27%), grain yield (+45%), N amount (+43%). Intensifying activity field conditions to meet challenge ecological transition is supported by our study.