Earthworm abundance, biomass and diversity

Earthworms are sensitive to various management practices. Their presence not only signals a thriving ecosystem but also plays a crucial role in shaping it (Bispo et al., 2009; Griffiths et al., 2018; Pulleman et al., 2012).

The increase in earthworm populations corresponds to a rise in biopores, enhancing macroporosity and concurrently reducing denitrification while promoting an increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) (Bispo et al., 2009; Griffiths et al., 2018; Pulleman et al., 2012).

Earthworm abundances have also been positively correlated with water infiltration rates helping to counteract the effects of intense rain events on soil and plants (Griffiths et al., 2018).

Earthworms are also sensitive to pollutants, making them indicators of environmental health (Pulleman et al., 2012).

It is noteworthy that earthworms are not ubiquitous; coniferous forests, with their acidic soils, pose a less-than-ideal environment for earthworms. The same is true in waterlogged soils. In such cases, it might be prudent to consider an alternative biological indicator like enchytraeids (potworms), a taxonomically related yet typically smaller group of worms (Bispo et al., 2009).