Do alterations in mesofauna community affect earthworms

摘要: Interactions between the saprotrophic animal groups that strongly control soil microbial activities and functioning of detrital food webs, such as earthworms mesofauna, are not well understood. Earthworm trophic engineering affect mesofauna abundance diversity through various direct indirect pathways. In contrast, effects on earthworm populations less evident; however, their importance may be high, considering keystone significance for system. We studied a diverse community deciduous forest two species representing epigeic (Lumbricus rubellus) endogeic (Aporrectodea caliginosa) ecological groups. microcosms, density total or its separate (enchytraeids, collembolans, gamasid mites) was manipulated (increased) responses systems were recorded. A rise in resulted decrease biomass an increased mortality L. rubellus, presumably due to competition with litter resources. similar manipulations promoted reproduction A. caliginosa, suggesting facilitated exploitation resources activities. Changes microcosm respiration rates, organic matter content across manipulation treatments indicate modify presence earthworms. However, could induce different either lumbricids, which suggests earthworm/mesofauna interactions species-specific. Thus, impacts should treated factor affecting soil.