Abstract: With the intensification of human activities, greenhouse gas emissions are increasing promptly. Soil carbon pool plays a crucial role in global carbon emission. Soil CO₂ emission accounts for 20% of the total greenhouse gas emission. Therefore, the carbon neutrality of soil ecosystems is extremely important to reduce greenhouse gas emission. Earthworms, as a typical invertebrate in soil, play a vital role in regulating soil carbon balance. Here, we summarize the effects of earthworms on soil CO₂ and CH₄ emission, generalize the carbon sequestration pathways of earthworms in soil, and evaluate their carbon sequestration potential in the remediation of contaminated soil. Moreover, we also reveal the carbon neutral role of earthworms in soil ecosystem protection. Earthworms have great application prospect in soil carbon sequestration. This paper provides theoretical basis and guiding significance for achieving carbon neutrality faster and better.

Key words: earthworm, carbon neutrality, soil, carbon sequestration, soil remediation