sites in Alberta and Quebec. The study showed that earthworms affected fungal and bacterial communities in the first layer of mineral soil, just below the organic-rich layer known as the forest floor.
"It was unexpected, considering that vegetation studies have already shown that earthworms have detrimental effects, including lower plant diversity and higher drought sensitivity."More research needs to be done on whether this would benefit soil communities, but the findings could point to some possible positives, notes Lejoly.
The presence of the worms also appeared to increase the abundance of fungi capable of living in symbiosis with trees, the study showed, though consequences for tree growth—whether positive or negative—weren't explored. As well, a potential increase in nutrients caused by earthworm activity could change the plant species composition of boreal forests, Lejoly adds.
Education Education Latest News, Education Education Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Physician-Scientist Positions in Research Hospital, ShanghaiTech University - Shanghai, China job with ShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, the Research Hospital of ShanghaiTech University, is a newly established academic health center locate...
Source: Nature - 🏆 64. / 68 Read more »
Faculty Positions in the Institute of Humanities, ShanghaiTech University - Shanghai, China job with ShanghaiTech UniversityThe mission of the Institute of Humanities is to develop and nurture, within the context of Global Humanities, interdisciplinary and transnational ...
Source: Nature - 🏆 64. / 68 Read more »