茶枯溶液在蚯蚓采样中的应用

蚯蚓是陆地生态系统中重要的大型土壤动物之一,其种类组成、种群大小及群落结构在一定程度上可以反映当地的土壤状况.常用的蚯蚓采样方法如手挖、电击法、福尔马林法、芥末法、异硫氰酸丙烯酯法存在很多差异,各方法都存在一定缺点.本研究应用茶枯溶液进行蚯蚓采样,操作简便易行.试验结果表明,茶枯法在荷木林、马占林、马尾松林的单位面积所驱赶出的蚯蚓个体数依次为62.1、70.3、96.2 number m-2,各林区采样效率依次为80.1%、70.9%、75.8%;3林区平均个体数采样效率为75.3%.除内栖类蚯蚓西土寒宪蚓外,其他蚯蚓种均能完全被驱赶采样;未能采样蚯蚓大部分为西土寒宪蚓幼体;在进入干季11月份采样效率显著降低.     

蚯蚓野外采样方法评述

蚯蚓作为土壤生态系统的关键组成部分,不但可以改善土壤结构,而且与许多生物化学养分循环直接相关,对土壤质量改善和土壤生产力提高起到至关重要的作用.然而,蚯蚓野外采样方法的系统研究和评估还比较缺乏,在国内尤其少见.本文综述了目前国内外常见蚯蚓野外采样方法的操作过程、优缺点、有效性以及对蚯蚓种群特征研究结果可能产生的影响,认为在允许扰动土壤的区域,利用驱虫剂与手拣法相结合进行蚯蚓采样能够较为准确地反映蚯蚓种群和生物量的真实特征;在不能扰动土壤的区域异硫氰酸烯丙酯(AITC)溶液方法是最佳选择.     

蚯蚓野外采样方法评述

蚯蚓作为土壤生态系统的关键组成部分,不但可以改善土壤结构,而且与许多生物化学养分循环直接相关,对土壤质量改善和土壤生产力提高起到至关重要的作用.然而,蚯蚓野外采样方法的系统研究和评估还比较缺乏,在国内尤其少见.本文综述了目前国内外常见蚯蚓野外采样方法的操作过程、优缺点、有效性以及对蚯蚓种群特征研究结果可能产生的影响,认为在允许扰动土壤的区域,利用驱虫剂与手拣法相结合进行蚯蚓采样能够较为准确地反映蚯蚓种群和生物量的真实特征;在不能扰动土壤的区域异硫氰酸烯丙酯(AITC)溶液方法是最佳选择.     

帽儿山森林生态系统蚯蚓生态分布研究

蚯蚓本研究采用大型土壤动物手拣法和器测法 ,野外调查与室内实验相结合 ,揭示了帽儿山森林生态系统蚯蚓的生态分布规律及其与环境因子的相互关系。水平分布调查表明 ,白桦林的蚯蚓生物量和个体密度远低于其它 3个林型 ;地上垂直分布调查表明 ,蚯蚓生物量与个体密度从山谷到山顶逐渐增多。地下垂直结构调查表明 ,帽儿山地区蚯蚓分布的垂直结构表聚性明显。各种调查均揭示了蚯蚓种群大小随生境条件不同而变化 ,特别是水分条件 ,适合调查地区蚯蚓生存的土壤含水量范围大致为 4 0 %～ 6 5 %。     

长白山杨桦林不同蚯蚓类群对电击采样的响应及其影响因素

电击法采集蚯蚓对环境相对友好,但电击效率可能因立地条件和蚯蚓类群而变化,进而限制了电击法的广泛应用。本研究于2017年11月上旬采用电击法配合手拣法对长白山3个不同森林发育阶段的杨桦林的蚯蚓群落进行了调查,分析了森林发育阶段、蚯蚓生态型、蚯蚓种群大小以及发育阶段、土壤温湿度状况等对电击效率的影响。结果表明:不同森林发育阶段蚯蚓的电击效率不同,其中40年生杨桦林电击效率最高,其蚯蚓数量和生物量电击效率分别为68.5%和57.4%;表栖型的诺登爱胜蚓(Eisenia nordenskioldi)活动能力最强,电击效率高达100%;内-深栖型的长白山杜拉蚓(Drawida changbaishanensis)在实验期间处于蜷曲休眠状态,电击效率低至0;而内栖型的安德爱胜蚓(Eisenia andrei)的电击效率为22.2%～58.3%;安德爱胜蚓种群大小与电击效率无明显的相关关系(其中,数量:r=0.139,P=0.381,生物量:r=0.025,P=0.877);安德爱胜蚓成体的电击效率显著高于幼体(P=0.014);土壤温度对电击效率有显著的影响,当土壤温度低于6℃时电击效率为0;当土壤温度为6～10℃时,电击效率为34.6%±13.1%,当土壤温度大于10℃时,电击效率为46.0%±8.7%;土壤湿度对电击效率无显著影响。总的来说,电击效率与蚯蚓活动能力的强弱有关。蚯蚓生态型、个体发育阶段及土壤温度在一定程度上影响了蚯蚓的活动能力,进而影响蚯蚓的电击效率。因此,可以根据不同蚯蚓类群活动能力的不同,利用电击法选择性地控制野外蚯蚓群落结构,以开展不同蚯蚓类群生态功能的长期实验研究。     

亚热带常绿阔叶林优势种个体及生物量的点格局分析

在广东康禾自然保护区的亚热带常绿阔叶林内设置4 hm2固定样地进行每木调查,分析群落优势种米槠(Castanopsis carlesii)和木荷(Schima superba)种群的年龄结构,并分别用Ripley's L函数和标记相关函数(mark correlation function)对种群个体和生物量空间点格局进行可视化解析。结果表明:1)米槠和木荷种群的径级结构为金字塔型,种群中有大量幼年个体,属增长型种群。2)米槠和木荷种群在0—50 m尺度上均呈聚集分布,说明生境异质性在种群空间格局形成中发挥重要作用。米槠种群聚集强度随空间尺度的增大逐渐增强,木荷种群在0—29.5 m尺度上聚集强度随尺度增大而增强,随后开始减小。3)米槠和木荷种群生物量分布格局与个体分布格局并不耦合,米槠生物量在个体间主要呈负相关,说明个体间存在显著的资源竞争。木荷个体间生物量分布相互独立,竞争不明显,显示出作为亚热带先锋树种的木荷有很高的资源利用效率。个体及生物量空间分布格局分析表明两个种群的分布模式均有利于实现物种共存。     

长江河口湿地不同植被中无齿螳臂相手蟹的分布及其洞穴利用

无齿螳臂相手蟹(Chiromantes dehaani)是长江河口中、高潮滩的优势底栖动物之一,具有重要的生态功能.由于其经济价值较低,所受关注很少.本文调查了相似高程芦苇(Phragmites australis)带、芦苇斑块、菰(Zizania aquatica)植被以及裸地4种生境中无齿螳臂相手蟹的数量分布及其洞穴的利用情况.有植被分布的3种生境间植株密度、植株高度和植物干重生物量(地上部分)差异显著(P＜0.001);4种生境问,陷阱桶采样获取的无齿螳臂相手蟹数量分布(P＜0.001)和性比(P=0.001)差异显著;裸地区域没有无齿螳臂相手蟹可用的洞穴分布,芦苇带、芦苇斑块和菰植被间无齿螳臂相手蟹可用的洞穴密度(P＜0.019)、单位洞穴蟹个体数(P＜0.001)差异显著,挖掘洞穴采样获取的无齿螳臂相手蟹密度差异接近显著水平(P=0.067),洞穴占用率(P=0.667)、不同洞穴占用方式频次组成(P＞0.05)差异不显著;无齿螳臂相手蟹可利用洞穴密度与植株密度、植物干重生物量显著负相关(P＜0.05),而挖掘洞穴采样获取的无齿螳臂相手蟹密度与植株高度(P=0.077)相关性接近显著水平且与洞穴密度(P＜0.001)显著正相关.这些结果表明盐沼植被对无齿螳臂相手蟹的分布和洞穴利用存在影响.而进一步探讨盐沼不同植被对无齿螳臂相手蟹分布的影响,需要先了解无齿螳臂相手蟹在不同植被中分布格局在时间上的变化,并结合无齿螳臂相手蟹在不同植被间的迁移行为以及繁殖周期等进行探讨.     

惠州西湖底泥疏浚对后生浮游动物群落的影响

结合在一个热带浅水湖泊--惠州西湖的一个子湖--湖所实施的底泥疏浚工程,对比分析了底泥疏浚前后部分水质指标和后生浮游动物群落的种类组成、丰度、生物量和物种多样性的变化,研究了底泥疏浚对平湖后生浮游动物群落的影响.结果表明:疏浚后平湖的部分水质指标较疏浚前有所恶化;后生浮游动物的丰度由疏浚前的186.08 ind.·L-1增加到659.22 ind.·L-1,其中轮虫和桡足类的丰度显著增加,枝角类丰度降低;生物最由1.49 mg.·L-1增加到3.72 mg.·L-1,其中轮虫和枝角类的生物量均有所增加,但其在浮游动物总生物量中所占比例却有所下降,桡足类的生物量则由0.08 mg·L-1增加到0.80 mg·L-1,在总生物量所占比例明显上升;Shannon-Weaner指数由2.24下降到1.84.底泥疏浚造成水体营养盐的上升,促进了浮游植物的生长,从而为浮游动物的种群发展提供了充足的食物供给,加之由于干湖底泥疏浚所导致的鱼类捕食压力的减少,多种因素共同导致了疏浚后平湖后生浮游动物种群的生物量、丰度和个体火小的增加.结果看,惠州西湖的清淤不能有效改善水质,也不能恢复生态系统,湖泊恢复必须结合其他措施.     

高原鼠兔有效洞穴密度对高山嵩草群落及其主要种群空间分布特征的影响

高原鼠兔(Ochotona curzoniae)有效洞穴密度变化会引发高山嵩草(Kobresia pygmaea)草甸植物群落及其种群分布格局发生变化。采用野外调查法研究了高原鼠兔有效洞穴密度对高山嵩草群落特征及其主要种群分布格局的影响。结果表明:随高原鼠兔有效洞穴密度增加,高山嵩草草甸植物群落的优势种没发生明显变化,部分伴生种发生更替;高度、盖度、多样性指数和均匀度指数呈现降低态势;地上生物量和丰富度指数变化不明显;高山嵩草和矮火绒草(Leontopodium nanum)种群的盖度、密度以及生物量均呈现降低态势,而达乌里秦艽(Gentiana dahurica)和小花草玉梅(Anemone rivularis var.flore-minors)种群的盖度、密度和生物量呈增加趋势。高山嵩草和矮火绒草的种群分布格局从8个/625m2和14个/625m2的聚集分布分别变为34个/625m2时的均匀分布和随机分布,达乌里秦艽和小花草玉梅种群从8个/625m2和14个/625m2的随机分布变为23个/625m2和34个/625m2时的聚集分布,这说明高原鼠兔有效洞穴密度变化改变了高山嵩草群落的特征和主要植物种群的空间分布格局,而对应群落特征和种群分布格局改变的有效洞穴密度为14个/625m2和23个/625m2。     

神农宫扁角菌蚊幼虫种群分布及其与环境因子的相关性

神农宫扁角菌蚊是首次发现并命名的洞穴昆虫新种,在洞穴内1a发生1代,幼虫期长达8-10个月。以神农宫扁角菌蚊为对象,系统研究了其幼虫种群在洞穴中的空间分布、季节分布及其与环境因子的相关性。分别采用了扩散系数（C值）法、K值法、平均拥挤度法、Iwao M*=α+βX回归模型分析法四种方法研究幼虫种群的空间分布,结果表明神农宫扁角菌蚊幼虫种群在洞穴中呈现典型的空间聚集分布。幼虫数量季节变化动态表现为春季幼虫数量明显高于其它季节,夏季5-6月份幼虫数量降到最低,蛹期、成虫期短,秋季幼虫开始孵化,幼虫数量持续上升。根据Pearson简单相关分析理论得出,神农宫扁角菌蚊幼虫数量与洞穴相对湿度、水流pH呈高度相关,而与洞穴温度、渗水pH呈低度相关,表明洞穴相对湿度、水流pH是影响幼虫种群分布的关键环境因子。     

Earthworm effect on root morphology in a split root system

Plants respond to their environment through adaptations such as root proliferation in nutrient-rich patches. Through their burrows and casts production in soil, earthworms create heterogeneity which could lead to local root adaptations or systemic effects. To investigate the effect of earthworms on root system morphology and determine whether earthworm effect is local or systemic, we set up two independent split root experiments with rice or barley, (i) without earthworm (CC), (ii) with earthworms in both compartments (EE), and (iii) with earthworms in one single compartment (CE). Earthworms had an effect on belowground plant biomass. The relative length of thick roots decreased with an increasing abundance of earthworms. Some root diameter classes responded to earthworm number in a linear or curvilinear way, making simple conclusions difficult. We found no difference in root biomass or morphology between the two compartments of the split root system in the CE treatment, but a positive effect of earthworm biomass on root biomass, volume, surface area, and length at the whole plant level. Results supported a systemic effect dependent on earthworm abundance. Modification of nutrient mineralization, soil physical structure, and/or the concentration of signal molecules could all be responsible for this systemic effect.     

Distribution, abundance and species associations of earthworms (Lumbricidae) in a reclaimed peat soil in Ireland

Fifteen species of earthworm were collected from a reclaimed fen peat soil used for rough hay in County Offaly, Ireland. The most common species were Aporrectodea tuberculata, Allolobophora chlorotica, Eisenia rosea and Octolasion tyrtaeum. A. tuberculata, A. chlorotica and E. rosea formed a significant association. The total numbers of earthworms collected by hand-sorting reached a maximum of 197.1 m⁻². Compared with hand-sorting, formalin-expulsion was an inefficient sampling method for most species. Soil moisture varied within the study area. Total densities and biomasses of the earthworms were greater where the soil was drier. A. tuberculata, A. turgida, Satchellius mammale and the pink form of A. chlorotica were more common in the dry soils whilst O. tyrtaeum, Lumbricus rubellus and the green form of A. chlorotica were more common in the wet soils.     

Studies on Artioposthia triangulata (Dendy) (Tricladida: Terricola), a predator of earthworms

Observations had linked the disappearance of earthworms from a grass field to the presence of Artioposthia triangulata. An experiment demonstrated that this land planarian could severely and quickly reduce numbers of four earthworm species. Two different approaches to sampling A. triangulata were investigated on a grassland site. The first used four different trap types (wood, ceramic tile, 'corriboard' plastic and 5 mm polystyrene beneath a ceramic tile) measuring 15 cm x 15 cm which were compared over a period of 18 wk. The second used one, or two, applications of dilute formalin solution to quadrats followed by counting the residual planarians by hand-sorting the soil beneath the quadrat to a depth of 30 cm. The polystyrene traps were the most effective for detecting the presence of A. triangulata. No planarians were ever found by hand-sorting after two formalin applications and it was concluded that formalin sampling provided a good estimate of the population density. Counts under traps were not related to absolute estimates of population densities so polystyrene type traps should only be used for detection of the planarians. A multiple regression relationship of A. triangulata weight over time in 5% formalin is presented and allows the original liveweight to be calculated from the weight in preservative. Planarian and earthworm population densities in eight fields were sampled and the planarians were found to be randomly distributed. Counts of planarians in 0.25 m² quadrats were not related to numbers of earthworms but overall field population densities were. It is concluded that A. triangulata is a severe threat to the earthworm populations of Northern Ireland.     

The influence of invasive earthworms on indigenous fauna in ecosystems previously uninhabited by earthworms

Recent studies on earthworm invasion of North American soils report dramatic changes in soil structure, nutrient dynamics and plant communities in ecosystems historically free of earthworms. However, the direct and indirect impacts of earthworm invasions on animals have been largely ignored. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on the impact of earthworm invasion on other soil fauna, vertebrates as well as invertebrates.Earthworm invasions can have positive effects on the abundance of other soil invertebrates, but such effects are often small, transient, and restricted to habitats with harsh climates or a long history of earthworm co-occurrence with other soil invertebrates. Middens and burrows can increase soil heterogeneity and create microhabitats with a larger pore size, high microbial biomass, and microclimates that are attractive to micro- and mesofauna. Under harsh climatic conditions, the aggregates formed by earthworms may increase the stability of soil microclimates. Positive effects can also be seen when comminution and mucus secretion increase the palatability of unpalatable organic material for microorganisms which are the main food of most micro- and mesofaunal groups. For larger invertebrates or small vertebrates, invasive earthworms may become important prey, with the potential to increase resource availability. In the longer-term, the activity of invading earthworms can have a strong negative impact on indigenous faunal groups across multiple trophic levels. Evidence from field and laboratory studies indicates that the restructuring of soil layers, particularly the loss of organic horizons, physical disturbance to the soil, alteration of understory vegetation, and direct competition for food resources, lead directly and indirectly to significant declines in the abundance of soil micro- and mesofauna. Though studies of invasive earthworm impacts on the abundance of larger invertebrates or vertebrates are generally lacking, recent evidence suggests that reduced abundance of small soil fauna and alteration of soil microclimates may be contributing to declines in vertebrate fauna such as terrestrial salamanders. Preliminary evidence also suggests the potential for earthworm invasions to interact with other factors such as soil pollution, to negatively affect vertebrate populations.     

Colonization and Recovery of Invertebrate Ecosystem Engineers during Prairie Restoration

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and earthworms (Oligochaeta) are considered ecosystem engineers because they form biogenic structures in the soil that influence resource supply. The objectives of this study were to quantify recovery dynamics of these invertebrate groups across a chronosequence of restored prairies and elucidate whether changes in the abundance and biomass of ants and earthworms were related to key plant and ecosystem properties. We sampled ants and earthworms from cultivated fields, grasslands restored from 1 to 21 years, and native prairie. Ant abundance and biomass peaked between 5 and 8 years of restoration and abundance was 198 times greater than cultivated fields. Earthworm abundance increased linearly across the chronosequence and became representative of native prairie, but all earthworm populations were dominated by European species. Ant abundance and biomass were positively correlated with plant diversity and plant richness, whereas earthworm abundance biomass was only related to surface litter. These results demonstrate that earthworm abundance increases with time since cessation of cultivation and concomitant with prairie establishment, whereas the abundance and biomass of ants are more related to the structure of restored plant communities than time. The dominance of exotic earthworms in these restorations, coupled with their capacity to alter soil properties and processes may represent novel conditions for grassland development.     

Interactions of earthworms with Atrazine-degrading bacteria in an agricultural soil

In the last 10 years, accelerated mineralization of Atrazine (2-chloro-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) has been evidenced in agricultural soils repeatedly treated with this herbicide. Here, we report on the interaction between earthworms, considered as soil engineers, and the Atrazine-degrading community. The impact of earthworm macrofauna on Atrazine mineralization was assessed in representative soil microsites of earthworm activities (gut contents, casts, burrow linings). Soil with or without earthworms, namely the anecic species Lumbricus terrestris and the endogenic species Aporrectodea caliginosa, was either inoculated or not inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. ADP, an Atrazine-degrading strain, and was either treated or not treated with Atrazine. The structure of the bacterial community, the Atrazine-degrading activity and the abundance of atzA, B and C sequences in soil microsites were investigated. Atrazine mineralization was found to be reduced in representative soil microsites of earthworm activities. Earthworms significantly affected the structure of soil bacterial communities. They also reduced the size of the inoculated population of Pseudomonas sp. ADP, thereby contributing to the diminution of the Atrazine-degrading genetic potential in representative soil microsites of earthworm activities. This study illustrates the regulation produced by the earthworms on functional bacterial communities involved in the fate of organic pollutants in soils.     

Earthworm invasions of ecosystems devoid of earthworms: effects on soil microbes

Recent studies document North American earthworm invasions and their profound effects on the structure of the soil profile, which is the habitat for soil microorganisms (mainly fungi and bacteria). Dramatic alterations made to these layers during earthworm invasion significantly change microbial community structure and therefore microbial activities such as C transformations. Understanding the impacts of earthworm invasion on the microbes themselves will give insight into earthworm effects on microbial activities. Bacterial and actinomycete communities in earthworm guts and casts have not been studied in environments recently invaded by earthworms. Earthworm invasion tended to decrease fungal species density and fungal species diversity and richness. The presence of earthworms decreased zygomycete species abundance probably due to disruption of fungal hyphae. Physical disruption of hyphae may also explain decreased mycorrhizal colonization rates, decreased mycorrhizal abundance and altered mycorrhizal morphology in the presence of earthworms. Mixing of organic layers into mineral soil during earthworm invasion tended to decrease microbial biomass in forest floor materials while increasing it in mineral soil. In newly invaded forest soils, microbial respiration and the metabolic quotient tended to decline. In forests where either the microbial community has had time to adapt to earthworm activities, or where the destruction of the forest floor is complete, as in invasions by the Asian Amynthas hawayanus, the presence of earthworms tends to increase the metabolic quotient indicating a shift to a smaller, more active microbial community.     

Exotic earthworms dispersion through protected forest areas and their potential impacts on nitrous oxide production

It is generally accepted that human activities are responsible for the dispersal of exotic earthworms in northeastern North America. We know little, however, about the relative effects of concurrent human activities on the structure of these earthworm communities in protected forest areas, nor on their impacts on soil biological activities. Our first objective was to infer the relative importance of recreational fishing and road traffic on the structure of Lumbricidae communities in Mont-Tremblant National Park, the oldest conservation area in the province of Quebec, Canada. Our second objective was to test the relationship between earthworm species abundances and soil properties related to microbial and nitrogen dynamics. We sampled earthworm communities around 61 lakes, which included 23 heavily-fished lakes and 20 non-fished lakes located near roads, as well as 18 non-fished lakes located in remote areas of the park. Our results revealed that fishing and proximity to roads both have a positive effect on the abundance of earthworms, as does the soil pH. Fishing activities had a greater effect than road proximity on the abundance and diversity of earthworm communities, notably on the abundance of the anecic species Lumbricus terrestris. To assess at a finer scale the effects of earthworm community structure on soil microbial and nitrogen dynamics, we collected and analyzed soils from 47 sampling points around two lakes with high earthworm densities. Exploratory redundancy analysis found a negative correlation between epigeic and anecic earthworm species, with the former correlating positively to microbial biomass and the latter correlating positively to nitrification and denitrification. Confirmatory path analysis established a positive indirect effect of Lumbricus terrestris, the preferred fishing bait, on potential soil nitrous oxide emissions. We conclude that the human-mediated dispersion of earthworms in the most pristine ecosystems of Quebec affects ecosystem functioning and thus requires a review of current policies regarding the use of live-bait by fishermen.     

Appraisal of the electrical octet method for estimating earthworm populations in arable land

Quantitative methods are needed for the assessment of the size and composition of earthworm communities. A poorly documented electrical sampling method, Thielemann's octet method, was compared with two long‐established methods, formalin extraction and soil hand sorting, in conventional and direct‐drilled wheat cropping systems at two sites with medium to heavy textured soils in Ireland. Under all agronomic conditions tested, the electrical method extracted significantly higher earthworm numbers than formalin, but earthworm biomasses were not significantly different. When used routinely over two years during periods of high earthworm activity, the electrical method yielded community estimates that were comparable in both size and species composition to those obtained by soil hand sorting (25 cm depth), except in recently ploughed land. However, Murchieona minuscule, a minute endogeic species, was underestimated by electrical extraction. It is concluded that the electrical octet method can be a reliable and useful alternative to other dynamic methods for estimating earthworm populations, especially in situations where minimum soil disturbance is desirable.