xii, 426 pages : 24 cm "This is the third edition of this popular text which reviews all aspects of earthworm biology and ecology. The book has been updated throughout and extensive additions made. These include a greatly expanded treatment of earthworm community ecology, interactions between earthworms and microorganisms, and the importance of earthworms in environmental management and their use in organic waste management. A straightforward and integrative approach has been taken to reviewing the literature of this important area (over 1400 references are cited). An extensive appendix has also been added summarizing the toxicity to earthworms of a wide range of chemicals." "This book will continue to be an invaluable text for students of agriculture, soil science, ecology and invertebrate zoology."--Jacket Previous edition published as: Biology of earthworms, 1977 Includes bibliographical references (pages 310-380) and index Earthworm morphology -- Earthworm diversity and geographical distribution -- Earthworm biology -- Earthworm physiology -- Earthworm ecology : populations -- Earthworm ecology : communities -- The influence of environmental factors on earthworms -- The role of earthworms in organic matter and nutrient cycles -- Earthworms and micro-organisms -- Role of earthworms in soil structure, fertility and productivity -- Earthworms as pests and benefactors -- Earthworms in environmental management -- Earthworms in organic waste management -- Effects of agricultural practices and chemicals on earthworms