Download or read book Complex Effects of Exotic Earthworm Invasion on Soil Phosphorus in Two Northern Hardwood Forests written by Esteban Suárez and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 114 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Effect of Earthworm Invasion on Nutrient Cycling and Hydrologic Losses in Two Northern Hardwood Forests written by Derek Marc Pelletier and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Earthworm Invasion written by Andrew Robert Holdsworth and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 400 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Impact of Invasive Earthworms on Soil Respiration and Soil Carbon Within Temperate Hardwood Forests cby Bradley Wayne Jennings written by Bradley Wayne Jennings and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 198 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Improving current understanding of the factors that control soil carbon (C) dynamics in forest ecosystems remains an important topic of research as it plays an integral role in the fertility of forest soils and the global carbon cycle. Invasive earthworms have the potential to alter soil C dynamics, though mechanisms and effects remain poorly understood. To investigate potential effects of invasive earthworms on forest C the forest floor, mineral soil, fine root biomass, litterfall and litter decomposition rates and total soil respiration (TSR) over a full year were measured at two invaded and one uninvaded deciduous forest sites in southern Ontario. The uninvaded site was approximately 300m from one of the invaded sites and a distinct invasion front between the sites was present. Along the invasion front, the biomass of the forest floor was negatively correlated with earthworm abundance and biomass. There was no significant difference between litterfall, litter decomposition and TSR between the invaded and uninvaded sites, but fine root biomass was approximately 30% lower at the invaded site. There was no significant difference in soil C pools between the invaded and uninvaded sites. Despite profound impacts on forest floor soil C pools, earthworm invasion does not significantly increase TSR, most likely because increased heterotrophic respiration associated with earthworms is largely offset by a decrease in autotrophic respiration caused by lower fine root biomass. Keywords:Biological Invasions, Earthworms, Carbon, Soil, Forest Ecosystems, Soil Respiration, Fine Roots, Forest Floor.
Download or read book Ecological Consequences of Exotic Invaders written by Cynthia Marie Hale and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Combined Effects of White tailed Deer and Exotic Earthworms on Understory Plant Communities in Northeast Ohio written by Ryan John Trimbath and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 47 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Temperate forests of North America are being altered by the combined effects of two ecosystem engineers: white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, and exotic earthworm species from Europe and Asia. The intense pressure of herbivory from white-tailed deer alters the structure, abundance and diversity of plants in the forest understory. Exotic earthworm invasion can dramatically change the physical and chemical attributes of forest soils, altering plant-soil interactions which can facilitate changes in understory plant communities. Here we have used a deer exclosure study to isolate the impacts of white-tailed deer from those of exotic earthworms in order to better understand how they interact in shaping temperate forest plant communities. Results confirm that deer can dramatically reduce the abundance, richness and diversity of native plants. Contrary to past studies we found no evidence that exotic earthworms themselves reduce native plant abundance or diversity. Exotic earthworms are shown to alter the plant community through the loss of specialist species which are replaced by generalist and exotic species. This is the first in situ study of exotic earthworms in temperate forests to account for deer impacts and identify the unique and aspects of exotic earthworm on forest plant communities. The combined effects of these engineering species can dramatically alter the forest plant community and pose a formidable threat to the conservation of biodiversity.
Download or read book Invasion of Northern Hardwood Forests by Exotic Earthworm Communities in South central New York written by Esteban Suárez and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Forest and Rangeland Soils of the United States Under Changing Conditions written by Richard V. Pouyat and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-09-02 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This open access book synthesizes leading-edge science and management information about forest and rangeland soils of the United States. It offers ways to better understand changing conditions and their impacts on soils, and explores directions that positively affect the future of forest and rangeland soil health. This book outlines soil processes and identifies the research needed to manage forest and rangeland soils in the United States. Chapters give an overview of the state of forest and rangeland soils research in the Nation, including multi-decadal programs (chapter 1), then summarizes various human-caused and natural impacts and their effects on soil carbon, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and biological diversity (chapters 2–5). Other chapters look at the effects of changing conditions on forest soils in wetland and urban settings (chapters 6–7). Impacts include: climate change, severe wildfires, invasive species, pests and diseases, pollution, and land use change. Chapter 8 considers approaches to maintaining or regaining forest and rangeland soil health in the face of these varied impacts. Mapping, monitoring, and data sharing are discussed in chapter 9 as ways to leverage scientific and human resources to address soil health at scales from the landscape to the individual parcel (monitoring networks, data sharing Web sites, and educational soils-centered programs are tabulated in appendix B). Chapter 10 highlights opportunities for deepening our understanding of soils and for sustaining long-term ecosystem health and appendix C summarizes research needs. Nine regional summaries (appendix A) offer a more detailed look at forest and rangeland soils in the United States and its Affiliates.
Download or read book Invasive Species in Forests and Rangelands of the United States written by Therese M. Poland and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-02-01 with total page 455 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This open access book describes the serious threat of invasive species to native ecosystems. Invasive species have caused and will continue to cause enormous ecological and economic damage with ever increasing world trade. This multi-disciplinary book, written by over 100 national experts, presents the latest research on a wide range of natural science and social science fields that explore the ecology, impacts, and practical tools for management of invasive species. It covers species of all taxonomic groups from insects and pathogens, to plants, vertebrates, and aquatic organisms that impact a diversity of habitats in forests, rangelands and grasslands of the United States. It is well-illustrated, provides summaries of the most important invasive species and issues impacting all regions of the country, and includes a comprehensive primary reference list for each topic. This scientific synthesis provides the cultural, economic, scientific and social context for addressing environmental challenges posed by invasive species and will be a valuable resource for scholars, policy makers, natural resource managers and practitioners.
Download or read book Soil Fauna Assemblages written by Uffe N. Nielsen and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2019-03-28 with total page 381 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A holistic overview of soil fauna, their contributions to ecosystem function, and implications of global change belowground.
Download or read book Earthworm Ecology and Biogeography in North America written by Paul F. Hendrix and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 1995-02-22 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is generally recognized that where earthworms are abundant they can exert significant influence on the structure and function of soils. Compared to other biogeographic regions of Earth, however, surprisingly little is known about the earthworm fauna of the western hemisphere and their role in soil processes. This book is the first comprehensive review and analysis of the state of understanding of earthworm biogeography and ecology in North America. Topics of in-depth discussion include earthworm systematics, biogeography and ecology, influences on soil structure and ecosystem nutrient dynamics, and implications for ecosystem management. Each chapter provides a general review and statement of current understanding, an assessment of current research problems, recent developments and advances, and priorities for future research and applications. This book is a must for researchers and students studying the soil-related facets of terrestrial ecology.
Download or read book Earthworm Ecology written by Clive A. Edwards and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2004-03-29 with total page 458 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Earthworm Ecology, Second Edition updates the most comprehensive work available on earthworm ecology with extensive revisions of the original chapters. New chapters analyze the history of earthworm research, the importance of earthworms as representatives of soil fauna and how they affect plant growth, the effects of the invasion of exotic earthworms into North America and other regions, and vermiculture and vermicomposting in Europe.This well-illustrated, expansive study examines the important and often overlooked impact earthworms have on the environment. It discusses the impact of climate, soil properties, predation, disease and parasitism, and competition upon earthworm ecology.
Download or read book IMPACTS OF INTRODUCED EARTHWORMS ON SUGAR MAPLE SAP CHEMISTRY AND THE DISCOURSE OF INVASION ECOLOGY written by and published by . This book was released on 2023 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Abstract : To delve into further understanding of the relationships between introduced earthworms, forest ecosystems, and the human systems they impact, two approaches were taken. In the first approach, we seek to explore ways we can shift the discourse within and regarding the field of invasion ecology by re-framing how we approach discussion, management, and education regarding introduced species. Language issues surrounding introduced species through the example of earthworms in North America are described and potential solutions are provided, including a repositioned perspective that may facilitate better relationships with the natural world. The goal is to shift the language to be more conscientious and respectful while also promoting inclusivity and diversity of perspectives that will lead to advancements in the field. A theme running through this narrative is approaching the field of invasion ecology through two-eyed seeing, which is an illustrative way to describe equitable utilization of the unique strengths of Western and Traditional Ecological Knowledge systems to create inclusive, holistic, integrative, multi-perspective and multi-disciplinary solutions to ecological issues. The second approach described here is a pilot study looking into the possible changes that earthworm activity incurs in sugar maple sap. The introduction of earthworms has led to significant ecological impacts in northern hardwood forests, especially on sugar maples, as declines in sugar maple health have been correlated with introduced earthworm activity. Sugar maple sap was collected during the spring of 2023, along with soil sampling, and earthworm population data to explore potential impacts of introduced earthworms on overall sap sugar content using linear regression models. The results highlight a complex, dynamic network of impacts that begin with earthworm activity that induce changes within the soil that subsequently cause shifts in soil biogeochemistry, impacting the overall health of the sugar maples, and leading to the long-term impairment of impacted sugar maples to produce quality sap. Most notably, the presence of anecic earthworms at sites with long-established earthworm communities is negatively correlated with overall sugar content in sap (R2 = 0.52, p = 0.038). These findings have important relevance especially to the maple syrup and maple sugar industries. Overall, this thesis highlights the importance of understanding the relationships introduced organisms are building in their new environments. By taking the time to learn from these organisms, we can create more effective management practices and policies.
Download or read book Impacts of Earthworm Invasion on Soils of the Canadian Boreal Forest written by Justine Daniéle Marthe Lejoly and published by . This book was released on 2022 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Exotic species of earthworms are invading North American forests, where native earthworms were extirpated by the last glaciation. The invasion of these ecosystem engineers can alter soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics, carbon (C) persistence, and ecosystem functioning. While the topic has been widely studied in temperate forests, the understanding of the consequences of this invasion in boreal forests is still insufficient. I aimed to determine how invasive earthworms are affecting boreal forest soils, their C stocks, SOM dynamics, and associated microbial communities. To ad-dress these objectives, I selected sites to encompass the three most common soil types across the Canadian boreal forest habitable by earthworms: Luvisols, Podzols, and Brunisols. Within each site, sampling zones were delimited to only differ by invasion status while keeping other environ-mental and pedological factors as similar as possible. I described soil morphological features and estimated the C stocks for the forest floors and mineral soils of invaded and non-invaded soils. I then compared their bacterial and fungal communities using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and metabarcoding of the 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 region. Finally, I estimated the labile (i.e. mineralizable) C using laboratory incubations, characterized the chemical composition of SOM by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and determined C distribution in different density and size fractions of the mineral soil. The presence of invasive geoengineering earthworms resulted in the thinning of forest floors and the development of novel Ahu horizons, enriched in C and clay. For the forest floors, there was a net loss of C stocks, although the proportion of labile C remained unchanged. While fungal com-munities of forest floors were unaffected by earthworm invasion, their bacterial communities did shift, notably with increased Gram(+):Gram(-) bacteria ratios, suggesting decreased C availability. In the novel Ahu horizons, the proportion of labile C was higher than in non-invaded mineral soils and C content was significantly higher across all
Download or read book Earthworm Presence in Northern Forests written by Meghan Elizabeth Knowles and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Growing concerns over climate change is driving research aimed at determining ways of retaining soil carbon (C) within managed northeastern forests. Earthworms are exotic to the state of Vermont and the current extent of earthworm community presence in the state's forests, as well as the long term impact these communities will have on soil C storage, is still unknown. Current research suggests that earthworms have conflicting effects on the C cycle of soils, simultaneously enhancing mineralization through soil mixing, while protecting C through the stabilization of microaggregate (mA) structures. The mA soil fraction represents a pool of physically stable structures capable of maintaining occluded C for long periods of time. To date, studies investigating earthworm effects on mA formation and occluded C have rarely been done in undisturbed forest soils. Earthworms were found in 10 of 18 forest sites utilized in a statewide Vermont earthworm survey, and community presence correlated with thinner forest floor depths. For 8 sites, the impact of earthworm presence on the quantity of C within water stable mA was investigated. Earthworm presence correlated with greater total C in the top 20 cm of mineral soil, highlighting the relocation of the forest floor noted in all 18 sites. A small, but significant, decrease was noted in the proportion of bulk soil mA, however through C enrichment from the forest floor, there was a significant increase in the pool of mA-associated C. A paired mesocosm study was also conducted, utilizing the endogeic earthworm species Aporrectodea tuberculata, placed in an earthworm-free, undisturbed forest soil. Findings from this study corroborated the correlations noted in the field with significant, though small, decreases in the proportion of bulk soil mA. The larger macroaggregate fraction was increased by about 4 times under earthworm influence. The C enrichment of mA structures occluded within the macroaggregate fraction accounted for approximately 95% of the total increase in mA-associated C, and 50% of the total C integrated into the mineral soil. It can be assumed that the C preferentially occluded within the mA structures by earthworm ingestion will experience longer mean residence time relative to bulk soil C. We conclude that, for the forest soils investigated, earthworm communities decreased the proportion of mA slightly but that the pool of physically stabilized C was increased through mA turnover. Forest soils usually experience low soil mixing and therefore typically contain high proportions of mA, though the quantity of C within these structures varies. Due to mA restructuring within the earthworm gut, it is unlikely that earthworm community expansions will alter the proportion of mA in forest soils, however the quantity of C present within these structures is likely to increase. The individual site investigated in the controlled study was particularly low in mineral soil C, and therefore the long-term presence of earthworms would likely result in an increase to mineral C storage. However, this result may not be applicable for forests with high levels of mineral soil C prior to earthworm invasion.
Download or read book The Herbaceous Layer in Forests of Eastern North America written by Frank Gilliam and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2014-04 with total page 689 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The most comprehensive existing volume of multidisciplinary research by top ecologists on the herbaceous layer of forests.
Download or read book Earthworm Management in Tropical Agroecosystems written by Patrick Lavelle and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 1999 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book covers all aspects of the ecology of tropical earthworm communities and their effects on soil properties and plant growth. It examines the latest methods and technologies for their management and includes work from leading experts in Europe, South and Central America, Africa, and Asia.
