Publication details
The wave towards a new steady state: effects of earthworm invasion on soil microbial functions
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2011 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Biological Invasions |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10530-011-0053-4 |
| Field | Ecology |
| Keywords | ecosystem change, exotic earthworms, forest floor, microbial biomass, microbial respiration |
| Description | Earthworms are ecosystem engineers that cause a long cascade of ecological effects when they invade previously earthworm-free forests. The consequences of earthworm invasion for soil microbial functions are poorly understood. We used two invasion fronts of European earthworms in northern North American hardwood forests previously devoid of earthworms to investigate three stages of earthworm invasion. Earthworms had marked effects on soil microbial biomass and respiration. 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. 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 composition and functions. |
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