THE IMPACT OF INSECTICIDES ON EARTHWORMS: A REVIEW

Abstract

As the main factors for the increase agricultural productivity in the 20th century are considered insecticides. However, many insecticides are toxic not only to the target species, but also to non-target organisms, mainly due to physiological similarities between them. In recent years, numerous ecotoxicity studies have been carried out on aquatic and soil organisms. Among terrestrial invertebrates, Lumbricidae are one of the most important groups. They have great ecological, economic and social importance. They play key role in decomposition of organic matter along with microorganisms, are vital members of ecosystem food webs and valuable ecosystem indicators. They also contribute to the quality of the soil and that is why it is very important to study the sublethal effects of pollutants, which may have an impact on their activities. The present review includes the diverse effects of different type of insecticides on earthworm biology, impact on the parameters of the life cycle and indirect impacts on ecosystem functions. The application of insecticides in agriculture represents a major threat to wildlife and ecosystems, because even when used in small quantities, their multiplicity, their toxicity and persistence have a harmful effect on ecological systems. With these results, we also highlighted the fact that the use of chemical substances must be carried out with maximum responsibility.