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; northern hardwood forests |
| Description | Earthworms are ecosystem engineers that cause a long cascade of ecological effects when invading earthworm-free forests. The consequences for soil microbial functions are poorly understood. We used two invasion fronts of European earthworms in northern North American hardwood forests in order to investigate three stages: uninvaded, the front of invasion and invaded at least 10 years previously. Soil microbial biomass, respiration and metabolic quotient were measured. Earthworms had marked effects on soil microbial biomass and respiration. Impacts were most pronounced at the leading edge of the invasion front, decreasing soil microbial C use efficiency, most likely due to the disturbance of the microbial community by water stress. Based on these results, we hypothesize that effects of earthworm invasion on native soil ecosystem functioning are most pronounced at the peak of the invasion wave. Thereafter, ecosystems possibly enter a new steady state with altered biotic compositions and functions. |
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