Effects of endogeic earthworms on soil processes and plant growth in coniferous forest soil

Abstract

The effects of the endogeic earthworm, Aporrectodea caliginosa tuberculata (Eisen) on decomposition processes in moist coniferous forest soil were studied in the laboratory. The pH preference of this species and its effects on microbial activity, N and P mineralization, and the growth of birch seedlings were determined in separate pot experiments. Homogenized humus from a spruce stand was shown to be too acid for A. c. tuberculata. After liming, the earthworms thrived in the humus and their biomass increased (at pH above 4.8). In later experiments in which the humus was limed, the earthworms positively influenced the biological activity in humus and also increased the rate of N mineralization. A. c. tuberculata increased the growth of birch seedlings, with increases observed in stems, leaves, and roots. Neither NH 4 + -N fertilizer nor mechanical mixing with artificial worms affected seedling growth. No plant-growth-affecting compounds (e.g., hormone-like compounds) due to the earthworms were present in the humus. The shoot: root ratio in the birch seedlings was not affected by either the earthworms or the fertilizer. The experiments revealed the impact of earthworm activity on soil processes and plant growth.