Hydrological and environmental impact of earthworm depletion by the New Zealand flatworm ( Artioposthia triangulata)

Abstract

The predation of earthworms by the New Zealand flatworm is an environmental threat that may have consequences beyond the scope of merely reducing earthworm populations in the UK. The role of earthworms in developing soil structure is substantial and the effect of structural degradation on hydrological processes, following earthworm eradication, may therefore be major, with a resulting increase in flood risk from river systems and decrease in agricultural productivity of economic concern.