The wave towards a new steady state: effects of earthworm invasion on soil microbial functions |
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Authors: | Nico Eisenhauer Ji?í Schlaghamerský Peter B Reich Lee E Frelich |
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Institution: | 1.Department of Forest Resources,University of Minnesota,St. Paul,USA;2.Department of Zoology and Ecology, Faculty of Science,Masaryk University,Brno,Czech Republic |
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Abstract: | Earthworms are ecosystem engineers that cause a long cascade of ecological effects when they invade previously earthworm-free
forests. However, the consequences of earthworm invasion for soil microbial functions are poorly understood. Here, we used
two well-studied invasion fronts of European earthworms in northern North American hardwood forests previously devoid of earthworms
in order to investigate three stages of earthworm invasion: uninvaded, the front of the leading edge of earthworm invasion
and locations invaded at least 10 years previously. Soil microbial biomass, respiration and metabolic quotient were measured.
Earthworms had marked effects on soil microbial biomass (−42%) and respiration (−32%). At both sites, impacts were most pronounced
at the leading edge of the invasion front, significantly decreasing soil microbial C use efficiency. This was most likely
due to the disturbance of the soil microbial community caused by water stress. Based on these results, we hypothesize that
effects of earthworm invasion on native soil ecosystem functioning are most pronounced at the peak of the invasion wave. After
experiencing this wave, ecosystems possibly enter a new steady state with altered biotic compositions and functions. |
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