Earthworm abundance among different soil and vegetation types at Colonial Point.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if there are different earthworm abundances in different soil or forest cover types at Colonial Point in Cheboygan County, MI. Vegetation, soil, and worm data were collected from several locations that were randomly selected among an area of Colonial Point with diverse soil and vegetation types. It was found that the dominant forest type and gross leaf litter weight had no significant effect on worm abundance. Soil type however, did show a significant difference in earthworm abundance between sand and clay soils. A moderate trend was also found positively correlating earthworm abundance and pH. This suggests that earthworms prefer mesic soils with favorable moisture and nutrient conditions. This information can be important in attempting to efficiently prevent the spread of invasive earthworms in the future.