Earthworms Found to Contribute to Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Feb 08, 2013

California study finds earthworms increase greenhouse gas emissions

Often we hear about livestock agriculture contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and being bad for the environment. However, according to a California based study, there is a new culprit contributing to greenhouse gas emissions – earthworms.

The study was recently published in the scientific journal Nature; it demonstrates that worms may be a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions by releasing carbon dioxide from the soil into the atmosphere.

According to the researchers, earthworms through the process of breaking down organic matter, may be responsible for contributing to up to one-third of carbon-dioxide emissions from the soil.

The study goes a step further and raises the question about “no-till” farming, which is an agriculture technique of growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage. This increasingly popular agriculture technique is in essence preserving earthworm habitats and with the increase use of organic fertilizer may be exacerbating the greenhouse gas emissions process rather than mitigating it.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.