A comprehensive review of earthworm-derived vermiproducts and their role in sustainable agriculture

Organic farming practices promote soil health and its associated ecosystems. Earthworms and microorganisms play a vital role in the soil ecosystem. The application of earthworm-derived wastes modifies the soil and sustains agricultural systems, thereby enhancing soil quality and supporting plant growth. The primary objective of this review is to provide an in-depth analysis and application of vermiproducts, such as vermicompost, vermicompost tea, vermiwash, and the coelomic fluid, as most of them exhibit a high variation in physical and chemical traits. The potential applications of vermicompost, vermicompost tea, and vermiwash as biofertilizers and biopesticides are examined due to their pronounced effects on plant growth and defence mechanisms. Furthermore, this review elaborates on the extrusion of coelomic fluids from earthworms and provides a detailed account of their beneficial substances. This study investigates the various functions of these products and their impact on plant growth and defence mechanisms. It also elucidates the multifaceted roles of earthworm products in sustainable agriculture, their potential to enhance soil health and plant productivity from a broad view.