Industrial Footprints on Soil Biodiversity: Earthworm Communities in Rewari District

Abstract:

Earthworms, recognized as ecosystem engineers, are sensitive indicators of soil health and environmental quality. This study was conducted in Rewari district, Haryana, India, to assess the impact of industrialization on earthworm community structure and diversity, and to evaluate the role of soil physicochemical properties in shaping these communities. A total of 50 sites (25 industrial and 25 non‑industrial) were surveyed using soil monolith sampling, and specimens were identified through standard taxonomic literature. Diversity indices were calculated, and soil parameters including bulk density, moisture, pH, organic matter, and nutrient availability were analyzed. Results showed that industrial soils supported fewer tolerant species (Eisenia fetida, Lampito mauritii, Metaphire posthuma) with low richness (3-4 species) and mean density (45 ± 6 ind./m²), while non‑industrial soils maintained higher richness (5-6 species), greater density (92 ± 8 ind./m²), and balanced community structures. Soil quality emerged as a decisive factor, with moisture, organic matter, and nutrient availability positively correlated with diversity, whereas bulk density showed a negative correlation. The findings confirm that industrialization degrades soil ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and ecological balance, while non‑industrial soils sustain diverse and functional earthworm populations, underscoring the importance of conserving soil quality for ecological resilience.