Adverse Effects of Chemical Fertilizers on the Biology of Macrofauna with a Special Reference to Earthworms: A Review

Soil macro-fauna is an important contributor to soil health. Macrofauna supplements important nutrients to the soil and mixes the nutrients with the soil as well. In addition, the macrofauna’s biological activity brings about positive changes in the soil such as increased soil porosity. Earthworms are agriculturally very important among all the soil fauna in terms of their contribution to soil health. The life table attributes of earthworms, however, are posed with several challenges due to over-exposure to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Several reports have now confirmed that the chemicals used in the soil cost the soil-resident earthworms in terms of their longevity and reproductive potential. The present review covers the harmful effect of chemical fertilizers with a special focus on macrofauna- i.e earthworms.   Keywords: Macrofauna, Soil, Chemical fertilizers, Earthworm, Agriculture.