Inoculation of earthworms into reclaimed soils: the UK experience

Earthworms have positive effects on soil structure, therefore their incorporation during the process of soil reclamation is a sensible route towards the final restoration of a site. Over the past 20 years, 16 documented field trials have been conducted in the United Kingdom. These trials took place at locations with a number of previous uses, for example, landfill sites, steelworks and opencast mines. The species of earthworm used varied, as did the techniques used for introducing them into the soil. This paper assessed the suitability of the earthworms chosen for each trial and, more importantly, trial outcomes. The most appropriate species were not always selected (possibly due to availability) and the introduction technique was not always the most appropriate for the site. Monitoring of trials generally occurred over relatively short periods of time (possibly due to limited funding). It is evident that more recent trials were not always informed by previous events. It is suggested that work of this nature may only be viable if brought about through site-related legal obligations.