Invasion by a non‐native ecosystem engineer alters distribution of a native predator

Aim

Shifts in diet composition, abundance or distribution of native predators can occur as a result of exotic prey introductions. We examined effects of non‐native earthworms and anthropogenic landscape disturbance on habitat selection by the American robin (Turdus migratorius), a generalist predator, at landscape and local levels. We also investigated whether robins could act as vectors of spread for earthworm cocoons (egg cases).

Location

Boreal forest of Alberta, Canada.

Methods

We conducted robin and earthworm surveys at campgrounds, well pads, roads, pipelines, seismic lines and forest interiors across northern Alberta. At a subset of paired locations that had similar habitats and anthropogenic disturbance levels, we sampled both robins and earthworms.

Results

Both groups were most likely to occur at campgrounds, well pads and roads. Furthermore, robins were more likely to occur at locations where earthworms were present in our paired local‐level surveys. This correlation between robin and earthworm distributions could be due to robins acting as a vector for earthworm spread, rather than robins’ use of earthworms as prey. However, in tests using captive robins, earthworm cocoons did not survive digestion.

Main conclusions

Robin and earthworm distributions were correlated, likely due to robins’ use of earthworms as prey. These results suggest exotic prey can strongly influence native predators at both landscape and local levels, with shifts in native predator distributions occurring as a result of spatial variability in exotic prey distributions. Although the impacts of ecosystem engineering by earthworms have been previously demonstrated, our study provides evidence that effects of earthworms can also cascade upwards via trophic interactions.     

Earthworm Egg Capsules as Vectors for the Environmental Introduction of Biodegradative Bacteria

Earthworm egg capsules (cocoons) may acquire bacteria from the environment in which they are produced. We found that Ralstonia eutropha (pJP4) can be recovered from Eisenia fetida cocoons formed in soil inoculated with this bacterium. Plasmid pJP4 contains the genes necessary for 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) degradation. In this study we determined that the presence of R. eutropha (pJP4) within the developing earthworm cocoon can influence the degradation and toxicity of 2,4-D and 2,4-DCP, respectively. The addition of cocoons containing R. eutropha (pJP4) at either low or high densities (10² or 10⁵ CFU per cocoon, respectively) initiated degradation of 2,4-D in nonsterile soil microcosms. Loss of 2,4-D was observed within the first week of incubation, and respiking the soil with 2,4-D showed depletion within 24 h. Microbial analysis of the soil revealed the presence of approximately 10⁴ CFU R. eutropha (pJP4) g⁻¹ of soil. The toxicity of 2,4-DCP to developing earthworms was tested by using cocoons with or without R. eutropha (pJP4). Results showed that cocoons containing R. eutropha (pJP4) were able to tolerate higher levels of 2,4-DCP. Our results indicate that the biodegradation of 2,4-DCP by R. eutropha (pJP4) within the cocoons may be the mechanism contributing to toxicity reduction. These results suggest that the microbiota may influence the survival of developing earthworms exposed to toxic chemicals. In addition, cocoons can be used as inoculants for the introduction into the environment of beneficial bacteria, such as strains with biodegradative capabilities.     

Cold hardiness and geographic distribution of earthworms (Oligochaeta,Lumbricidae, Moniligastridae)

Cold hardiness of 12 species and 2 subspecies of earthworms from Northern Eurasia was studied. Supercooling temperatures, the water content and the thresholds of tolerated temperatures of worms and their cocoons were determined. The threshold values varied within ?1…?35°C for worms and within ?1…?196°C for cocoons. Earthworms of 4 species and 2 subspecies survived freezing. Cocoons of all species except Eisenia fetida possessed a protective dehydration mechanism which prevented their freezing. During wintering at subzero temperatures, earthworms lost up to 20% of water, cocoons up to 37%. Species of the same life form can overwinter at different phases and have different cold hardiness values. On the whole, epigeic and epi-endogeic species (except for Eisenia fetida) were more resistant to cold than endogeic ones. The following preliminary classification of earthworms according to their tolerance to negative temperatures is proposed: (1) both onthogenetic phases are tolerant; (2) only cocoons are tolerant; (3) both onthogenetic phases are intolerant. The geographic distribution of all the studied species (except for Eisenia nordenskioldi nordenskioldi) is partially or completely limited by insufficient resistance of the worms to negative temperatures. A significant cold hardiness of cocoons of most species is nonadaptive, since the worms hatched from the eggs in spring die without having enough time to reach maturity and to lay cocoons before the onset of subzero temperatures. Only 3 species (Eisenia nordenskioldi nordenskioldi, Eisenia atlavinyteae, and Dendrobaena octaedra) can live in permafrost regions; this is the main reason for a drastically reduced diversity of earthworm assemblages in eastern Siberia except for its southern, mountain parts. In general, the reasons for the impoverishment lie in the modern climatic conditions correlated with the ecophysiological capacities of earthworms.     

Presence of Culturable Bacteria in Cocoons of the Earthworm Eisenia fetida

Viable bacteria were found to coexist with developing embryos in egg capsules (cocoons) of the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Earthworms were reared under standardized conditions, and bacterial densities were measured in distinct batches of cocoons collected weekly for 10 weeks. Cocoons weighing 12 mg contained a mean viable bacterial population of approximately 10⁸ CFU/g of cocoons. No difference was found in viable counts obtained from cocoons incubated at 15°C and cocoons incubated at 24°C. Viable bacterial numbers increased with cocoon age, while acridine orange direct counts of microbial cells were stable at approximately 10⁹ cells per g of cocoons. Bacteria isolated from cocoons were used to develop antisera in rabbits for the production of strain-specific fluorescent antibodies. Fluorescent antibody and selective plating techniques were used to monitor populations of these bacteria in earthworm bedding and to determine whether cocoons acquire bacteria from the environment in which they are formed. Cocoon isolates were readily recovered from cocoons formed in inoculated bedding at densities of 10⁸ CFU/g of cocoons. Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 and UMR 161 added to bedding were also recovered from cocoons, but at lower densities than cocoon isolates. Escherichia coli K-12(pJP4) inoculum was recovered from bedding but not from cocoons. The bacterial complement of Eisenia fetida cocoons is affected by inoculation of selected bacterial isolates in the worm growth environment.     

Local distribution of native and invasive earthworms and effects on a native salamander

North America is home to both native and invasive earthworms acting as ecosystem engineers as they build burrows that can serve as habitat for other species or otherwise alter soil structure, affecting nutrient cycling and other ecosystem processes. Here I determine where and what earthworm species commonly occur in my study area, and compare effects of native and invasive earthworms on the common woodland salamander, Plethodon cinereus, in field surveys and laboratory experiments. The native earthworm Eisenoides carolinensis was the most common earthworm, followed by two invasive species Dendrobaena octaedra and Octolasion tyrtaeum. The presence of O. tyrtaeum was associated with a narrower O-horizon (i.e., organic layer in the soil). Using structural equation modeling to explore direct and indirect pathways of these three most common earthworm species on salamanders, I found O. tyrtaeum occurrence was negatively correlated with nighttime salamander counts, a proxy for total salamander numbers, mediated by negative effects on O-horizon depth and microinvertebrate numbers. In the laboratory, O. tyrtaeum and D. octaedra consumed more leaf litter per gram of earthworm per day than the native E. carolinensis. However, salamanders consumed earthworms and used burrows of all native and invasive species of earthworms similarly. The potential for negative indirect effects of the invasive earthworm O. tyrtaeum on P. cinereus was demonstrated both in the field and laboratory, highlighting that seemingly small differences between native and invasive ecosystem engineers have the potential to significantly alter the effects of these closely related native and invasive organisms.     

Interactions between Nematodes and Earthworms: Enhanced Dispersal of Steinernema carpocapsae

Dispersal of the nematode Steinernema carpocapsae (All strain), applied on the top or the bottom of soil columns, was tested in the presence or absence of two earthworm species, Lumbricus terrestris or Aporrectodea trapezoides. Nematode dispersal was estimated after a 2-week period with a bioassay against the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. Vertical dispersal of nematodes was increased in the presence of earthworms. When nematodes were placed on the surface of soil columns, significantly more nematodes dispersed to the lower half of the columns when either earthworm species was present than when earthworms were not present. When nematodes were placed on the bottom of soil columns, significantly more nematodes dispersed to the upper half of the columns when L. terrestris was present than when A. trapezoides was present or in the absence of earthworms. Because nematodes were found on the exterior and in the interior of earthworms, nematode dispersal may be enhanced by direct contact with the earthworms.     

Response of bacteria to earthworm surface excreta

Response of bacteria to the surface excreta of the Aporrectodea caliginosa earthworm was studied. The excreta were obtained by a 1 h incubation of the earthworms in petri dishes with subsequent collection of the slime. Both inhibition and stimulation of growth were revealed, as well as suppression of the respiratory activity of some bacterial species treated with A. caliginosa surface excreta. The organisms studied included various taxa of soil bacteria (19 strains), bacteria isolated from A. caliginosa intestine and excrements (82 strain), and 48 Bacillus thuringiensis strains. For the cultures of soil bacteria, the respiratory activity was determined using the formazan color reaction due to the activity of the respiratory cycle enzymes. Earthworm excreta caused a consistent 30–50% decrease of dehydrogenase activity in 13 out of the 19 cultures. Determination of the growth rates (derived from OD₆₂₀ of cell suspensions) after 10 h of incubation revealed growth stimulation in 48 out of the 82 strains isolated from intestines and excrement. Other strains exhibited no reaction to the excreta. For 29 out of 45 B. thuringiensis strains, growth stimulation was observed, while growth of two strains was suppressed; other strains exhibited no reaction to the excreta. No relation was found between bacterial reaction to the excreta and their taxonomic position. These results correlate with the research, demonstrating antibacterial and antifungal activity of the extracts from the earthworm body and digestive tract. Thus, earthworms, apart from their medium-forming function, affect the formation of soil microbial communities by direct stimulation or suppression of specific microbial populations.     

Earthworm communities a bioindicator of arable land management practices: A case study in semiarid region of India

The abundances and activities of earthworms in arable lands depend strongly on management practices and; therefore earthworm can act as a potential bioindicator of land use practices. In this study earthworm diversity and abundances was measured in three differently managed agro-ecosystems i.e. conventional, integrated and organic, in some sites of northern semiarid region of India. The maximal numbers of earthworm occurrence were in integrated farming system (100%, all studied sites showed the presence) followed by organically managed (70%) and conventional (18.9%) agro-ecosystems. A total of six species belonging to four different families were identified during this survey and all recorded earthworm species were present in organically managed agro-ecosystems, while integrated and conventional arable lands exhibited only three earthworm species. The abundance of earthworms in arable system was also directly related to the management practices. The values of ecological indices e.g. Shannon diversity (H′), species dominance (C), the species richness (S) and evenness (E) indicated the anthropogenic pressure on earthworm communities in arable lands of northern India.     

Physiology of cold hardiness in cocoons of five earthworm taxa (Lumbricidae: Oligochaeta)

Earthworm cocoons are mostly found in the uppermost soil layers and are therefore often exposed to low temperatures during winter. In the present study, cocoons of five taxa of earthworms were investigated for their tolerance to freezing, melting points of cocoon fluids and dehydration of cocoons when exposed to a frozen environment. Embryos of the taxa investigated were freeze intolerant. The melting points of fully hydrated cocoon fluids were high (above –0.3°C) and thermal hysteresis factors were absent. Exposure to a frozen environment caused the cocoons to dehydrate drastically and dehydrated cocoons showed significantly lower super-cooling points than fully hydrated cocoons, reducing the risk of freezing for dehydrated cocoons. It is proposed therefore that the cold-hardiness strategy of the earthworm cocoons is based on dehydration upon exposure to subzero temperatures in the frozen environment. Cocoons of three surface-dwelling taxa, Dendrobaena octaedra, Dendrodrilus rubidus tenuis and Dendrodrilus rubidus norvegicus had lower supercooling points and survived frost exposure better than cocoons of two deeper-dwelling taxa, Aporrectodea caliginosa and Allolobophora chlorotica. One of the investigated taxa, D. r. norvegicus, was collected from a cold alpine habitat. However, it was not more cold hardy than the closely related D. r. tenuis collected from a lowland temperate habitat. D. octaedra was the most cold hardy taxon, its cocoons being able to withstand –8°C for 3 months and –13.5°C for 2 weeks in frozen soil.Abbreviations dw dry weight - fw fresh weight - SCP supercooling point     

Role of earthworm-straw interactions on phytoremediation of Cu contaminated soil by ryegrass

It is well known that the earthworm's activities can increase the availability of soil nutrients, improve soil structure, and enhance the biomass of plants in uncontaminated soil. Recently, many researchers found that some metal-tolerant earthworms can survive and even change the fractional distribution of heavy metals in contaminated soil. Furthermore, it has been revealed that earthworms are able to increase metal availability, and therefore, accumulate more metals in plants through their burrowing and casting activity. It is clear that the influence of soil animals is an important factor for phyto-remedation that must be taken into account. ~In this article, the authors studied some effects of addition of earthworms (Metaphire guillelmi), corn straw, and in combinations of earthworms and corn straw on the growth and Cu uptake by ryegrass in Cu contaminated pot soils. The experiment consisted of four levels of Cu addition (0, 100, 200, 400 mg·kg?1) and four treatments. The treatments were 1. control (CK); 2.straw mulching only (M); 3. earthworm additions to soil only (E); and 4.straw mulching plus earthworm additions (ME). Each treatment had three replicates. 10 seeds of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) were sowed in each pot and harvested after 30 days. After 30 days of incubation, all earthworms were found to be alive and the pot soils were burrowed through by earthworms. Results showed that the biomass of earthworm declined with the increase of the dosage of Cu additions. The biomass of earthworm increased significantly in treatment 4 (ME) as compared with treatment 3 (E). Not only the earthworms could get more food from the straw, but also could counteract some negative effects of Cu on the earthworms. The rates of straw decomposition in ME treatment increased by about 58.11% ?77.32%. The earthworm activities increased root biomass of ryegrass significantly, but did not show the effect on plant root growth. On the contrary, straw enhanced roots biomass significantly instead of shoots biomass. It was also found that the concentration of Cu in the plant shoot and the plant root, as well as plant Cu uptake were enhanced by earthworm's activities and straw mulching. The increased amount by straw mulching was lower than that of earthworms (E). The treatment of the earthworm–straw mulching combinations enhanced plant Cu concentration, and the amount increased by it was lower than that of the earthworm treatment (E) but higher than that of straw mulching treatment (M). The accumulation factors of copper in the shoots of ryegrass were increased by 31.22% ?121.07%, 2.12% ?61.28% and 25.56% ?132.64%, respectively, in treatment 3(E), 2(M), and 4(ME), respectively. In conclusion, the earthworm activities, straw-mulching and their interactions may have potential roles in elevating phyto-extraction efficiency in low to medium level Cu contaminated soil.     

Earthworms, as ecosystem engineers, influence multiple aspects of a salamander��s ecology

Ecosystem engineers create habitat that can be used by other species in multiple ways, such as refuges from predators, places to breed, or areas with increased prey resources. I conducted a series of enclosure experiments to: (1) determine if salamanders use earthworm burrows, and (2) examine the potential influence of earthworm burrow use and indirect effects on salamander intra- and interspecific competition, predator avoidance, and seasonal performance. I found that one species of woodland salamander, Plethodon cinereus, used earthworm burrows 50% of the time when burrows were present. Neither adults nor juveniles of the congeneric P. glutinosus used earthworm burrows. Intraspecific, but not interspecific, competition by P. cinereus affected salamander behavior when earthworms were absent, with P. cinereus found under cover objects >70% of the time when alone or with a P. glutinosus, but only 40% of the time when with another P. cinereus. When earthworms were present, the behavior of P. cinereus was similar across salamander treatments. Earthworms decreased the amount of leaf litter and microinvertebrates, although this did not affect salamander mass. In subsequent experiments using only P. cinereus, the refuge provided by earthworm burrows increased the survival of P. cinereus over the winter and allowed P. cinereus to avoid being consumed by the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Because earthworm burrows provide a refuge for P. cinereus during intraspecific encounters, in the presence of a predator and over the winter, they may serve as an important belowground?Caboveground linkage in eastern forests where salamanders are common.     

Local-scale correlates of native and non-native earthworm distributions in juniper-encroached tallgrass prairie

European and Asian earthworms have invaded much of North America with profound impacts to soils, plant communities, and animal populations. However, few studies have assessed local-scale correlates of earthworm distributions, and most invasive earthworm research has occurred in northern forests. Additionally, despite several studies showing facilitative relationships between invasive earthworms and invasive plants, no research has assessed a potential facilitative interaction between earthworms and woody plants encroaching into prairies. We conducted the first assessment of factors influencing local-scale distributions of native and non-native earthworms for the U.S. Great Plains in a tallgrass prairie-woodland mosaic experiencing eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) encroachment. We documented both native and non-native earthworms, including non-native species from Eurasia (Aporrectodea spp.) and South America (Family Ocnerodrilidae). Native and non-native earthworm distributions were strongly correlated, yet local-scale predictors of distribution also differed between the groups. Native earthworms were more likely to occur near roads and in areas with moist soils. Contrary to expectation, we found no evidence that non-native earthworms occurred more frequently in areas with eastern redcedar-encroachment; instead, non-native earthworms were most likely to occur in tallgrass prairie. Our results suggest that, within prairies and woodlands of the Great Plains, native and non-native earthworms occur most frequently near roadways and in locations with moist soil. Because the few approaches for controlling invasive earthworms are only likely to be feasible on a small scale, findings from such local-scale studies are important for directing management to reduce earthworm impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services.     

Experimental Evaluation of Herbivory on Live Plant Seedlings by the Earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. in the Presence and Absence of Soil Surface Litter

Background

Recent studies suggested that the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris might act as a seedling predator by ingesting emerging seedlings, and individuals were observed damaging fresh leaves of various plant species in the field. To evaluate the significance of herbivore behavior of L. terrestris for plant and earthworm performance we exposed 23- to 33-days-old seedlings of six plant species to earthworms in two microcosm experiments. Plants belonged to the three functional groups grasses, non-leguminous herbs, and legumes. Leaf damage, leaf mortality, the number of leaves as well as mortality and growth of seedlings were followed over a period of up to 26 days. In a subset of replicates 0.1 g of soil surface litter of each of the six plant species was provided and consumption was estimated regularly to determine potential feeding preferences of earthworms.

Results

There was no difference in seedling growth, the number of live seedlings and dead leaves between treatments with or without worms. Fresh leaves were damaged eight times during the experiment, most likely by L. terrestris, with two direct observations of earthworms tearing off leaf parts. Another nine leaves were partly pulled into earthworm burrows. Lumbricus terrestris preferred to consume legume litter over litter of the other plant functional groups. Earthworms that consumed litter lost less weight than individuals that were provided with soil and live plants only, indicating that live plants are not a suitable substitute for litter in earthworm nutrition.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that L. terrestris damages live plants; however, this behavior occurs only rarely. Pulling live plants into earthworm burrows might induce microbial decomposition of leaves to make them suitable for later consumption. Herbivory on plants beyond the initial seedling stage may only play a minor role in earthworm nutrition and has limited potential to influence plant growth.     

Growth,reproductive biology and life cycle of the vermicomposting earthworm, Perionyx ceylanensis Mich. (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae)

In the present study, an attempt has been made to study the growth, reproduction and life cycle of the earthworm, Perionyx ceylanensis Mich. in cowdung for the period of 340 days. Results showed that the overall mean growth rate was 1.79, 1.57 and 1.34 mg/worm/day respectively for the worms cultured singly, in batches of four and eight. Cocoon production rate was found between 0.85 and 0.94 cocoons/worm/day and the hatching success between 74.67% and 82.67%. The majority of the cocoons (95.16–96.77%) hatched only one hatchling. Worms raised singly also produced viable cocoons indicating that P. ceylanensis reproduce parthenogenetically. The life cycle of the worms cultured singly was ±57 days and it was ±50 days for the worms cultured in batches of four and eight. There is a vast scope to utilize P. ceylanensis for vermiculture practices due to short period of life cycle.     

A comparative study of gut microbiota profiles of earthworms fed in three different substrates

The gut microbiome of earthworms has a complex interdependence with the host. When the soil minerals pass through earthworm’s gut, they may affect the gut microbiota. To gain insight into the response of gut microbiota to the passed minerals, we fed earthworm (Eisenia fetida) on nutrient-poor soil and ore powder, and used high throughput sequencing to characterize the earthworm intestinal microbial community to find evidence for a core bacterial community of the E. fetida. The results showed that earthworms’ gut maintained a core microbiome that appeared in all samples. These core microbiota may play a significant role in a species’ environmental interactions. The composition of intestinal microbiomes varied with substrates. The earthworm guts from two nutrient-poor substrates had similar microbial communities and they were different from nutrient-rich substrate. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were more abundant in the gut of earthworms kept on a nutrient-poor substrate such as ore powder or mineral soil than in the gut of earthworms kept in organic-rich compost soil; some of these microorganisms may help earthworms survive in nutrient-poor substrates.     

The “deduction” approach: A non-invasive method for estimating secondary production of earthworm communities

Secondary production is an important parameter for the study of population dynamics and energy flow through animal communities. Secondary production of earthworm communities has been determined with the size-frequency and instantaneous growth rate methods, whereby earthworm populations are repeatedly sampled at regular intervals and the change in biomass of cohorts or individuals between sampling dates is determined. The major disadvantage of repeated sampling is that it disturbs the soil and permanently removes earthworms from the study area. The “deduction” approach is a theoretical model that partitions individuals into defined pools and makes assumptions about the growth, recruitment and mortality of each pool. In 2004 and 2005, earthworms were added to undisturbed field enclosures and the “deduction” approach was used to estimate secondary production of the indigenous and added earthworm populations during the crop growing period (17–18 weeks) in each year. Secondary production estimates made by the “deduction” approach were similar to estimates from direct earthworm sampling in temperate agroecosystems. The “deduction” approach is an indirect method that estimates population dynamics and secondary production, and is appropriate for manipulation experiments where removal of organisms and physical disturbance of the habitat by repeated sampling could bias results.     

Stress promotes changes in resource allocation to growth and reproduction in a simultaneous hermaphrodite with indeterminate growth

In iteroparous animals, investment in growth is compromised by investment in reproduction, especially in species with indeterminate growth. Life‐history theory predicts that growth should be favoured over reproduction, assuming size‐related fecundity or survival. Hence, increase body condition represents an increase in reproductive potential. Simultaneous hermaphrodites should adjust their resource allocation to each sex function in response to current conditions but, recently, it has been suggested that, in hermaphrodites, gender allocation should be considered as a three‐way trade‐off, including the investment in somatic growth. Due to the higher costs involved, the female function is affected to a greater extent by environmentally stressful conditions rather than the male function. To examine this, we induced stress in the hermaphroditic earthworm Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826) and looked for changes in resource allocation in nonreproductive and reproductive individuals. Experimental stress was induced by using tweezers to elicit contractile escape movements. We predicted that stressed earthworms would preferentially allocate resources to growth. In nonreproductive individuals, however, stress had a negative effect on growth, although weight recovery was rapid once manipulation ceased, indicating the importance of body condition, as well as the existence of mechanisms of compensatory growth for growth trajectories in this earthworm species. The response of reproductive individuals was consistent with our expectation: (1) stressed worms maintained their growth rate at the expense of current reproduction and (2) stressed earthworms laid 25% fewer cocoons, which were 30% lighter than cocoons laid by control earthworms. The present results suggest that E. fetida regulates its reproductive effort and that future reproduction has more impact on its fitness than current reproduction. The trade‐off between current and future reproduction should be taken into consideration in models of sex allocation in simultaneous hermaphrodites. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2007, 91 , 593–600.     

Changes in microbial community structure and function during vermicomposting of pig slurry

Most studies investigating the effects of earthworms on microorganisms have focused on the changes before and after vermicomposting rather than those that occur throughout the process. In the present study, we designed continuous feeding reactors in which new layers of pig slurry (1.5 and 3 kg) were added sequentially to form an age gradient inside the reactors in order to evaluate the impact of the earthworm species Eisenia fetida on microbial community structure and function. The activity of earthworms greatly reduced the bacterial and fungal biomass and microbial diversity relative to the control values. However, the pronounced presence of earthworms in the younger layers stimulated microbial activity and as such increased carbon mineralization probably due to the fact that the microorganisms may have been less resource-limited as a result of earthworm activity, as indicated by the ratio of monounsaturated to saturated PLFAs.     

Concordance of N bio-indicators: Dandelion and earthworms in a rotational pasture

Earthworms are important soil metabionts indicative of N enrichment in pastures. A rotational pasture in central Nova Scotia was tested for earthworms using chemical extraction followed by excavation and hand sorting in 28 paired micro plots placed in areas with low versus high proportion of the N indicator plant species dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Species richness was low with five earthworm species of the Lumbricidae recovered in the following order of abundance: Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbricus terrestris, Aporrectodea turgida, Aporrectodea tuberculata, and Aporrectodea trapezoides. All species occurred at high constancy except the rare A. trapezoides. The inventory revealed spatial differentiation of earthworm abundance and community structure at the field level. High proportion of dandelion reduced pasture sward biomass while abundance of L. rubellus and A. tuberculata significantly (p < 0.05) increased with a concomitant increase in epigeic earthworm dominance at the expense of the anecic L. terrestris. Thus, low cost and non-destructive floristic surveys of N indicators, such as dandelion, allow for concordant inferences about the environmental impact of intensive cow pasture on earthworms and ecosystem function. High earthworm counts may run contrary to the notion of ecological integrity depending on specific earthworm abundances. Reduced earthworm benefits due to any de-intensification of rotational pasture must be assessed against increased risks of N-leaching in intensive pastures with high proportion of dandelion.