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We're all Just Soil-Mates: Evaluating the Influence of Soil Characteristics on Earthworms in Northern New York
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Fall 2025
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2025-12-11
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earthworms and soils.pdf
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Earthworms impact soil structure and biogeochemical cycling which influences community diversity and ecosystem functioning. They serve to buffer soil acidity, increase organic matter, homogenize soils through bioturbation, and make nutrients more accessible. Harmful invasive earthworm species, including the Asian jumping worm (Amynthas agrestis) have been identified in 38 of the 50 states, and in one Canadian Province. Studies have shown that non-native earthworms are litter dwelling and redistribute key soil nutrients away from native plant communities. Understanding patterns of earthworm distribution and abundance will help us prepare for shifts in ecosystem stability and functioning. I aimed to compare earthworm communities along a land-use gradient in Clinton and Essex counties in northern NY. In fall 2025, following the Ecological Research as Education Network (EREN) WORM protocols, I used vermifugation techniques to survey for earthworms. Earthworms were preserved and identified using dichotomous keys and site characteristics were collected including soil (e.g., pH, moisture, organic carbon, leaf litter depth), as well as dominant over and understory species. All sites containing worms were dominated by the non-native common nightcrawler (Lumbricus terrestris) known to outcompete native species, consumes leaf litter, and releases carbon. Earthworm diversity was greatest (S=4) at the rural site (Morrisonville) which was a heterogeneous site located adjacent to Riley Brook potentially providing amenable conditions during this drought year. Morrisonville also had one of the highest soil pH levels, lower organic carbon and was dry, likely forcing the species deeper into burrows. The Morrisonville worm community also contained non-native redheaded worms (L. rubellus), redworms (Eisenia fetida), and octagonal-tailed worm (Dendrobaena octaedra) who are smaller epigeic species that live in surface leaf litter. Northern sites (Ellenburg and Churubuco) were devoid of worms, perhaps explained by this season’s drought conditions or that they were surrounded by agricultural land-use. The site with the greatest soil moisture (Peaseleeville) and highest acidity did contain the greatest worm abundance. Regional monitoring of earthworm communities is needed to identify areas prime for earthworm invasion and protect habitats containing sensitive native plant communities.