Abstract
Darwin’s observations on earthworms can be regarded as a milestone in our understanding of soil biology and an enormous contribution to some aspects of the genesis of humus and of its role in soils. This chapter outlines Darwin’s conclusions on the role of earthworms in the formation of vegetable mould and his interpretations of its nature and properties, especially those of its organic constituents. It discusses modern concepts of the composition, structure and properties of humus substances and the role they play in soil, especially in stabilizing aggregates and retaining water and plant nutrients.
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Hayes, M.B. (1983). Darwin’s ‘vegetable mould’ and some modern concepts of humus structure and soil aggregation. In: Satchell, J.E. (eds) Earthworm Ecology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5965-1_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5965-1_3
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-009-5967-5
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