Inter- and intra-specific interactions of Lumbricus rubellus (Hoffmeister, 1843) and Octolasion lacteum (Örley, 1881) (Lumbricidae) and the implication for C cycling

Abstract

Earthworms are important engineering species of many terrestrial ecosystems as they play a significant role in regulating C turnover. The effects of earthworms on moderating C decomposition processes differ across species and with interactions between species, which is not fully understood. We carried out an experiment to study the interactions of Lumbricus rubellus and Octolasion lacteum, and their effects on soil respiration. Laboratory mesocosms were set up using tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) leaf litter and varying densities of earthworms in single and combined species treatments. CO2 efflux rate was used as an indicator of C decomposition rates, and measured with CO2 sensors every five days over one month. L. rubellus induced higher leaf consumption rate and higher CO2 efflux than O. lacteum; meanwhile O. lacteum grew more than L. rubellus. Both litter consumption rate and growth rate of earthworms decreased with increasing earthworm density. Soil CO2 efflux increased with increasing earthworm density (from ∼1–2 μg CO2 g−1 hr−1 with no earthworms to ∼ 4 μg CO2 g−1 hr−1 with 8 earthworms). Combining the two species had a synergistic effect on leaf litter consumption, and neutralizing effects on soil respiration. The data suggest that the strength of intra- and inter-specific interactions among earthworm ecological groups varies at different absolute and relative densities, leading to altered leaf litter decomposition and C cycling.