Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 37-45 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 41 fertility, which in turn supports long-term plant health and productivity. For instance, the use of cow dung as a soil amendment has been shown to alleviate the ginseng replanting problem by improving soil nutritional status and stimulating beneficial soil microbes, leading to enhanced plant growth and survival rates (Tagele et al., 2023). Furthermore, the combined application of cow dung and green manure has been found to increase the growth and yield of tiger nut by improving soil moisture content, nutrient retention, and microbial activity (Adekiya et al., 2020). These findings suggest that the integration of decomposers into agricultural practices can provide long-term benefits for plant health and productivity by maintaining and enhancing soil fertility. Figure 2 Impact of vermi-compost on the seed germination and growth parameters of marigold (Adopted from Shafique et al., 2021) 6 Environmental and Ecological Considerations 6.1 Effects on carbon sequestration Dung decomposers, particularly dung beetles and earthworms, play a significant role in carbon sequestration. The incorporation of organic matter into the soil by these organisms enhances soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. For instance, the presence of diverse decomposer species has been shown to increase root biomass significantly, which in turn contributes to higher SOC levels (Eisenhauer et al., 2018). Additionally, organic amendments such as cow dung have been found to improve soil aggregate stability and carbon sequestration in wetland paddy cultivation (Rahman ert al., 2022). Maintaining high levels of plant diversity, which is often supported by the activity of dung decomposers, can further enhance SOC storage and mitigate anthropogenic CO2 increases (Chen et al., 2018). 6.2 Biodiversity implications The biodiversity of dung decomposers is crucial for maintaining ecosystem functions. Studies have shown that higher decomposer diversity leads to increased biomass production and nutrient cycling efficiency (Eisenhauer et al., 2018). Dung beetles, for example, vary in their efficiency of nutrient incorporation into the soil, with some species being more effective than others (Maldonado et al., 2019). This variability underscores the importance of conserving a diverse range of decomposer species to maximize their ecological benefits. Furthermore, the presence of dung beetles has been linked to improved soil conditions and plant growth, highlighting their role in sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem health (Kaleri et al., 2020). 6.3 Role in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem services Dung decomposers contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth. The activity of dung beetles and earthworms accelerates the decomposition of organic matter, leading to improved soil nutrient status and structure (Evans et al., 2019). This process not only supports higher crop yields but also enhances the overall resilience of agricultural systems. For example, the application of cow
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