Influence of Earthworm (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) Populations on Abundance of Soil Fungi

The study explores the influence of earthworms (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) on the soil fungi communities. The observation was carried out in poplar forests on three types of soils: Pellic Vertisols, Cromi-Vertic Luvisols and Calcaric Fluvisols. The population of earthworms have a negative effect on the soil fungi. It was revealed that augmentation on the number of lumbricid taxa reduces the soil fungi communities. Earthworm populations and number of soil fungi are in negative correlation (R= -0.9153). In sum, more research is needed to fully understand relationships between earthworms and soil fungi.