Earthworm (Lumbricidae) assemblages of forest ecosystems in the anthropogenically

Abstract

Assemblages of earthworms were evaluated in spruce and beech stands in the Kienhaida Nature Reserve (Krušné hory Mts., Czech Republic) and its immediate surroundings, where site conditions were modified by the soil preparation for forest regeneration. The beech stands of the reserve showed low diversity but higher earthworm abundance than did the spruce stands, which in turn showed the lowest Lumbricidae abundance (18 individuals·m -2 ).The highest abundance of earthworms (124 individuals·m -2 ) was found in the soil of mounds created 30 years prior to sampling from the organic soil of the A h horizon. The highest species diversity and low abundance were characteristic of areas between the mounds, the soil surface of which was greatly disturbed after removal of the A h horizon to create those mounds. The degree to which the reforested clear-cuts created due to air pollution were overgrown with weeds contributed positively to the diversity and abundance of Lumbricidae.

Earthworms (Lumbricidae) from a surface layer and wireworms (Elateridae) of forest stands in the anthropogenically-disturbed area of the Děčínská vrchovina Upland (Czech Republic)

“…In open stands, more favourable organic matter is created for earthworms due to the growth of forest weed. Also Švarc and Kula (2011) corroborate the significant effect of undergrowth on earthworm populations. In the studied area, effects of the locality weed infestation on the abundance of earthworms were not proved.…”

“…At lower pH values, also other soil fauna can be inhibited in the food intake and decomposition of organic material (Swift et al 1979). Findings of Švarc and Kula (2011) on the positive effect of mounds from organic material at higher locations of the Ore Mountains on the abundance of earthworms were not proved under conditions of the Děčínská vrchovina Upland.…”