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Mathieu Santonja - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Response of temperate anecic Earthworm individual biomass to species interactions
Applied Soil Ecology, 2019Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Daniel Cluzeau, Mathieu SantonjaAbstract:Earthworms contribute to a wide range of ecosystem services provided by the soil. Nevertheless, synecology of these organisms is still not properly elucidated especially in terms of species interactions. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of anecic Earthworm species interactions on their individual biomass. These effects were measured using three epi-anecic species, Lumbricus rubellus rubellus (Hoffmeister, 1843), Lumbricus centralis (Bouché, 1972), Lumbricus terrestris (Linné 1758), and three strict-anecic species, Aporrectodea caliginosa meridionalis (Bouché, 1972), Aporrectodea nocturna (Evans, 1946), Aporrectodea giardi (Savigny, 1826). Twenty-one pairs of individuals were established following five assemblages: monospecific pairwise assemblages of epi- and strict-anecic Earthworms (2 × 3 treatments), bispecific pairwise assemblages within epi- and within strict-anecic Earthworms (2 × 3 treatments) and bispecific pairwise assemblages with one epi- and one strict-anecic Earthworm (3 × 3 treatments). Treatments were maintained in mesocosms for 30 days under controlled conditions (food provided at the soil surface at the beginning of the experiment) and changes in the Earthworm individual biomass were measured. Strict-anecic Earthworms in monospecific or bispecific assemblages maintained their initial biomass. In contrast, epi-anecic Earthworms exhibited an increase of 12.4% and 23.7% of their biomass in monospecific and bispecific assemblages, respectively. In bispecific assemblages combining one epi- and one strict-anecic Earthworm, epi-anecic Earthworms solely gained biomass leading to a total increase of a 6.9%. Surprisingly, the biomass' changes were not homogenous within the two sub-categories as the six Earthworm species exhibited species-specific responses. The greatest increases in individual biomass were recorded for epi-anecic Earthworms in the bispecific assemblages. This study provides further evidence for the distinction between the two anecic sub-categories, as it indicates that species interactions is positive only for epi-anecic Earthworm biomass.
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Epi-anecic rather than strict-anecic Earthworms enhance soil enzymatic activities
Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2019Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel Cluzeau, Cécile MonardAbstract:Earthworms in interaction with soil microorganisms play a key role in litter decomposition. Moreover, as soil engineers, Earthworms modify microbial communities and their enzymatic activities. Most studies focusing on Earthworms and soil enzymatic activities compare distinct ecological categories of Earthworms whereas their contributions and interactions within a given ecological category remain largely unknown. In this context, the aims of the present study were to determine and compare the contribution of (1) three strict-anecic Earthworm species, (2) three epi-anecic Earthworm species and (3) the pairwise interactions between these different species on Lolium perenne leaf litter decomposition and soil microbial activity. After 30 days of incubation, the surface litter mass loss and five soil enzymatic activities (FDAse, β-D-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, leucine amino-peptidase and acid phosphatase) were measured in both Earthworm burrows and middens. In mono-specific assemblages, leaf litter mass loss and enzymatic activities were significantly higher in the presence of epi-anecic compared to strict-anecic species, whatever the species identity. These differences were higher for the β-D-glucosidase, leucine amino-peptidase and FDAse (+78%, +57% and +34%, respectively). Earthworm species interactions at both intra- and inter-ecological sub-categories did not enhance either leaf litter mass loss or enzymatic activities. Interestingly, FDAse activity was higher in Earthworm burrows whereas acid phosphatase activity was higher in Earthworm middens. These results indicate that the two anecic ecological sub-categories have different impacts on soil functioning and each of them regroups Earthworm species with similar behaviour. This functional distinction highlights the key role of epi-anecic Earthworms in fresh surface litter burial and decomposition, featuring their importance on nutrient cycling in soil and for microbial activities stimulation through resource availability.
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Feeding behavior of epi-anecic Earthworm species and their impact on soil microbial communities
2018Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel CluzeauAbstract:Earthworms contribute to numerous ecosystem services provided by soils. Most of the studies focusing on the contributions of Earthworms on leaf litter decomposition were conducted by comparing distinct ecological categories (epigeic, epi-anecic, anecic strict and endogeic), whereas their specific contributions within a given ecological category remains largely unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to determine the contribution of four epi-anecic Earthworm species (Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbricus festivus, Lumbricus centralis and Lumbricus terrestris) to the leaf litter decomposition of three plant species (Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus and Corylus avellana) with contrasted litter traits located at both the soil surface and at a depth of 10 cm. Fungal and bacterial communities inhabiting epi-anecic Earthworm burrows were also assessed using T-RFLP analysis. Epianecic Earthworms improved the leaf litter mass loss solely at the soil surface, while leaf litter mass loss was mainly due to microbial activity at 10 cm deep. Leaf litter mass loss was positively correlated to the initial biomass of the epi-anecic Earthworms and the intensity of this relationship was dependent on litter type. Interestingly, L. festivus seemed to have a higher contribution to surface leaf litter mass loss that was linked to a stimulation of the fungal communities in its burrows. Fungal communities were thus impacted by both the litter type and the epi-anecic Earthworm identity whereas soil bacterial diversity and richness were stimulated in the Earthworm burrows whatever the epi-anecic Earthworm species considered. Overall, epi-anecic Earthworms contributed to enhance the diversity of the drilospheric microbiota.
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Feeding behaviour of epi-anecic Earthworm species and their impacts on soil microbial communities
Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2018Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel CluzeauAbstract:Earthworms contribute to numerous ecosystem services provided by soils. Most of the studies focusing on the contributions of Earthworms on leaf litter decomposition were conducted by comparing distinct ecological categories (epigeic, epi-anecic, anecic strict and endogeic), whereas their specific contributions within a given ecological category remains largely unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to determine the contribution of four epi-anecic Earthworm species (Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbricus festivus, Lumbricus centralis and Lumbricus terrestris) to the leaf litter decomposition of three plant species (Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus and Corylus avellana) with contrasted litter traits located at both the soil surface and at a depth of 10 cm. Fungal and bacterial communities inhabiting epi-anecic Earthworm burrows were also assessed using T-RFLP analysis. Epi-anecic Earthworms improved the leaf litter mass loss solely at the soil surface, while leaf litter mass loss was mainly due to microbial activity at 10 cm deep. Leaf litter mass loss was positively correlated to the initial biomass of the epi-anecic Earthworms and the intensity of this relationship was dependent on litter type. Interestingly, L. festivus seemed to have a higher contribution to surface leaf litter mass loss that was linked to a stimulation of the fungal communities in its burrows. Fungal communities were thus impacted by both the litter type and the epi-anecic Earthworm identity whereas soil bacterial diversity and richness were stimulated in the Earthworm burrows whatever the epi-anecic Earthworm species considered. Overall, epi-anecic Earthworms contributed to enhance the diversity of the drilospheric microbiota. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd
Daniel Cluzeau - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Response of temperate anecic Earthworm individual biomass to species interactions
Applied Soil Ecology, 2019Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Daniel Cluzeau, Mathieu SantonjaAbstract:Earthworms contribute to a wide range of ecosystem services provided by the soil. Nevertheless, synecology of these organisms is still not properly elucidated especially in terms of species interactions. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of anecic Earthworm species interactions on their individual biomass. These effects were measured using three epi-anecic species, Lumbricus rubellus rubellus (Hoffmeister, 1843), Lumbricus centralis (Bouché, 1972), Lumbricus terrestris (Linné 1758), and three strict-anecic species, Aporrectodea caliginosa meridionalis (Bouché, 1972), Aporrectodea nocturna (Evans, 1946), Aporrectodea giardi (Savigny, 1826). Twenty-one pairs of individuals were established following five assemblages: monospecific pairwise assemblages of epi- and strict-anecic Earthworms (2 × 3 treatments), bispecific pairwise assemblages within epi- and within strict-anecic Earthworms (2 × 3 treatments) and bispecific pairwise assemblages with one epi- and one strict-anecic Earthworm (3 × 3 treatments). Treatments were maintained in mesocosms for 30 days under controlled conditions (food provided at the soil surface at the beginning of the experiment) and changes in the Earthworm individual biomass were measured. Strict-anecic Earthworms in monospecific or bispecific assemblages maintained their initial biomass. In contrast, epi-anecic Earthworms exhibited an increase of 12.4% and 23.7% of their biomass in monospecific and bispecific assemblages, respectively. In bispecific assemblages combining one epi- and one strict-anecic Earthworm, epi-anecic Earthworms solely gained biomass leading to a total increase of a 6.9%. Surprisingly, the biomass' changes were not homogenous within the two sub-categories as the six Earthworm species exhibited species-specific responses. The greatest increases in individual biomass were recorded for epi-anecic Earthworms in the bispecific assemblages. This study provides further evidence for the distinction between the two anecic sub-categories, as it indicates that species interactions is positive only for epi-anecic Earthworm biomass.
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Epi-anecic rather than strict-anecic Earthworms enhance soil enzymatic activities
Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2019Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel Cluzeau, Cécile MonardAbstract:Earthworms in interaction with soil microorganisms play a key role in litter decomposition. Moreover, as soil engineers, Earthworms modify microbial communities and their enzymatic activities. Most studies focusing on Earthworms and soil enzymatic activities compare distinct ecological categories of Earthworms whereas their contributions and interactions within a given ecological category remain largely unknown. In this context, the aims of the present study were to determine and compare the contribution of (1) three strict-anecic Earthworm species, (2) three epi-anecic Earthworm species and (3) the pairwise interactions between these different species on Lolium perenne leaf litter decomposition and soil microbial activity. After 30 days of incubation, the surface litter mass loss and five soil enzymatic activities (FDAse, β-D-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, leucine amino-peptidase and acid phosphatase) were measured in both Earthworm burrows and middens. In mono-specific assemblages, leaf litter mass loss and enzymatic activities were significantly higher in the presence of epi-anecic compared to strict-anecic species, whatever the species identity. These differences were higher for the β-D-glucosidase, leucine amino-peptidase and FDAse (+78%, +57% and +34%, respectively). Earthworm species interactions at both intra- and inter-ecological sub-categories did not enhance either leaf litter mass loss or enzymatic activities. Interestingly, FDAse activity was higher in Earthworm burrows whereas acid phosphatase activity was higher in Earthworm middens. These results indicate that the two anecic ecological sub-categories have different impacts on soil functioning and each of them regroups Earthworm species with similar behaviour. This functional distinction highlights the key role of epi-anecic Earthworms in fresh surface litter burial and decomposition, featuring their importance on nutrient cycling in soil and for microbial activities stimulation through resource availability.
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Feeding behavior of epi-anecic Earthworm species and their impact on soil microbial communities
2018Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel CluzeauAbstract:Earthworms contribute to numerous ecosystem services provided by soils. Most of the studies focusing on the contributions of Earthworms on leaf litter decomposition were conducted by comparing distinct ecological categories (epigeic, epi-anecic, anecic strict and endogeic), whereas their specific contributions within a given ecological category remains largely unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to determine the contribution of four epi-anecic Earthworm species (Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbricus festivus, Lumbricus centralis and Lumbricus terrestris) to the leaf litter decomposition of three plant species (Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus and Corylus avellana) with contrasted litter traits located at both the soil surface and at a depth of 10 cm. Fungal and bacterial communities inhabiting epi-anecic Earthworm burrows were also assessed using T-RFLP analysis. Epianecic Earthworms improved the leaf litter mass loss solely at the soil surface, while leaf litter mass loss was mainly due to microbial activity at 10 cm deep. Leaf litter mass loss was positively correlated to the initial biomass of the epi-anecic Earthworms and the intensity of this relationship was dependent on litter type. Interestingly, L. festivus seemed to have a higher contribution to surface leaf litter mass loss that was linked to a stimulation of the fungal communities in its burrows. Fungal communities were thus impacted by both the litter type and the epi-anecic Earthworm identity whereas soil bacterial diversity and richness were stimulated in the Earthworm burrows whatever the epi-anecic Earthworm species considered. Overall, epi-anecic Earthworms contributed to enhance the diversity of the drilospheric microbiota.
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Feeding behaviour of epi-anecic Earthworm species and their impacts on soil microbial communities
Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2018Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel CluzeauAbstract:Earthworms contribute to numerous ecosystem services provided by soils. Most of the studies focusing on the contributions of Earthworms on leaf litter decomposition were conducted by comparing distinct ecological categories (epigeic, epi-anecic, anecic strict and endogeic), whereas their specific contributions within a given ecological category remains largely unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to determine the contribution of four epi-anecic Earthworm species (Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbricus festivus, Lumbricus centralis and Lumbricus terrestris) to the leaf litter decomposition of three plant species (Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus and Corylus avellana) with contrasted litter traits located at both the soil surface and at a depth of 10 cm. Fungal and bacterial communities inhabiting epi-anecic Earthworm burrows were also assessed using T-RFLP analysis. Epi-anecic Earthworms improved the leaf litter mass loss solely at the soil surface, while leaf litter mass loss was mainly due to microbial activity at 10 cm deep. Leaf litter mass loss was positively correlated to the initial biomass of the epi-anecic Earthworms and the intensity of this relationship was dependent on litter type. Interestingly, L. festivus seemed to have a higher contribution to surface leaf litter mass loss that was linked to a stimulation of the fungal communities in its burrows. Fungal communities were thus impacted by both the litter type and the epi-anecic Earthworm identity whereas soil bacterial diversity and richness were stimulated in the Earthworm burrows whatever the epi-anecic Earthworm species considered. Overall, epi-anecic Earthworms contributed to enhance the diversity of the drilospheric microbiota. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd
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Earthworms eisenia fetida affect the uptake of heavy metals by plants vicia faba and zea mays in metal contaminated soils
Applied Soil Ecology, 2016Co-Authors: Aboulkacem Lemtiri, Daniel Cluzeau, Amandine Lienard, Taofic Alabi, Yves Brostaux, Frederic Francis, Gilles ColinetAbstract:Abstract Earthworms increase the availability of heavy metals in some situations and aid in maintaining the structure and quality of soil. The introduction of Earthworms into metal-contaminated soils has been suggested as an aid for phytoremediation processes. In Wallonia, Belgium, a century of industrial metallurgic activities has led to the substantial pollution of soils by heavy metals, including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), due to atmospheric dusts. Two plant species, Vicia faba and Zea mays , and Earthworms ( Eisenia fetida ) (Savigny, 1826) were exposed to different concentrations of long-term-contaminated soils for 42 days. The soil samples, which were collected from the land surrounding a former Zn-Pb ore-treatment plant, exhibited different levels of heavy metals. Our aim was to evaluate the role of Earthworms E. fetida on the availability of metals in soils and their effects on metal uptake by V. faba and Z. mays plants at different soil concentrations. The results suggest that Earthworms and plants modified the availability of metals in contaminated soils after 42 days of exposure. Earthworm life-cycle parameters were affected by metal contamination and/or the addition of plants; cocoon production and weight were more responsive to adverse conditions than Earthworm survival or weight change. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in Earthworm tissues decreased in the presence of plants. Results showed that metal accumulation in plants depended on the metal element considered and the presence of Earthworms. However, the presence of Earthworms did not change the concentrations of metals in plants, except for Cd. In the presence or absence of Earthworms, V. faba accumulated higher concentrations of Cu and Zn compared with Z. mays , which accumulated higher concentrations of Cd. These findings have revealed that Earthworm activities can modify the availability of heavy metals for uptake by plants in contaminated soils. Moreover, the study results show that the ecological context of phytoremediation should be broadened by considering Earthworm-plant-soil interaction, which influence both the health of the plant and the uptake of heavy metals by plants.
Kevin Hoeffner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Response of temperate anecic Earthworm individual biomass to species interactions
Applied Soil Ecology, 2019Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Daniel Cluzeau, Mathieu SantonjaAbstract:Earthworms contribute to a wide range of ecosystem services provided by the soil. Nevertheless, synecology of these organisms is still not properly elucidated especially in terms of species interactions. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of anecic Earthworm species interactions on their individual biomass. These effects were measured using three epi-anecic species, Lumbricus rubellus rubellus (Hoffmeister, 1843), Lumbricus centralis (Bouché, 1972), Lumbricus terrestris (Linné 1758), and three strict-anecic species, Aporrectodea caliginosa meridionalis (Bouché, 1972), Aporrectodea nocturna (Evans, 1946), Aporrectodea giardi (Savigny, 1826). Twenty-one pairs of individuals were established following five assemblages: monospecific pairwise assemblages of epi- and strict-anecic Earthworms (2 × 3 treatments), bispecific pairwise assemblages within epi- and within strict-anecic Earthworms (2 × 3 treatments) and bispecific pairwise assemblages with one epi- and one strict-anecic Earthworm (3 × 3 treatments). Treatments were maintained in mesocosms for 30 days under controlled conditions (food provided at the soil surface at the beginning of the experiment) and changes in the Earthworm individual biomass were measured. Strict-anecic Earthworms in monospecific or bispecific assemblages maintained their initial biomass. In contrast, epi-anecic Earthworms exhibited an increase of 12.4% and 23.7% of their biomass in monospecific and bispecific assemblages, respectively. In bispecific assemblages combining one epi- and one strict-anecic Earthworm, epi-anecic Earthworms solely gained biomass leading to a total increase of a 6.9%. Surprisingly, the biomass' changes were not homogenous within the two sub-categories as the six Earthworm species exhibited species-specific responses. The greatest increases in individual biomass were recorded for epi-anecic Earthworms in the bispecific assemblages. This study provides further evidence for the distinction between the two anecic sub-categories, as it indicates that species interactions is positive only for epi-anecic Earthworm biomass.
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Epi-anecic rather than strict-anecic Earthworms enhance soil enzymatic activities
Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2019Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel Cluzeau, Cécile MonardAbstract:Earthworms in interaction with soil microorganisms play a key role in litter decomposition. Moreover, as soil engineers, Earthworms modify microbial communities and their enzymatic activities. Most studies focusing on Earthworms and soil enzymatic activities compare distinct ecological categories of Earthworms whereas their contributions and interactions within a given ecological category remain largely unknown. In this context, the aims of the present study were to determine and compare the contribution of (1) three strict-anecic Earthworm species, (2) three epi-anecic Earthworm species and (3) the pairwise interactions between these different species on Lolium perenne leaf litter decomposition and soil microbial activity. After 30 days of incubation, the surface litter mass loss and five soil enzymatic activities (FDAse, β-D-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, leucine amino-peptidase and acid phosphatase) were measured in both Earthworm burrows and middens. In mono-specific assemblages, leaf litter mass loss and enzymatic activities were significantly higher in the presence of epi-anecic compared to strict-anecic species, whatever the species identity. These differences were higher for the β-D-glucosidase, leucine amino-peptidase and FDAse (+78%, +57% and +34%, respectively). Earthworm species interactions at both intra- and inter-ecological sub-categories did not enhance either leaf litter mass loss or enzymatic activities. Interestingly, FDAse activity was higher in Earthworm burrows whereas acid phosphatase activity was higher in Earthworm middens. These results indicate that the two anecic ecological sub-categories have different impacts on soil functioning and each of them regroups Earthworm species with similar behaviour. This functional distinction highlights the key role of epi-anecic Earthworms in fresh surface litter burial and decomposition, featuring their importance on nutrient cycling in soil and for microbial activities stimulation through resource availability.
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Feeding behavior of epi-anecic Earthworm species and their impact on soil microbial communities
2018Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel CluzeauAbstract:Earthworms contribute to numerous ecosystem services provided by soils. Most of the studies focusing on the contributions of Earthworms on leaf litter decomposition were conducted by comparing distinct ecological categories (epigeic, epi-anecic, anecic strict and endogeic), whereas their specific contributions within a given ecological category remains largely unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to determine the contribution of four epi-anecic Earthworm species (Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbricus festivus, Lumbricus centralis and Lumbricus terrestris) to the leaf litter decomposition of three plant species (Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus and Corylus avellana) with contrasted litter traits located at both the soil surface and at a depth of 10 cm. Fungal and bacterial communities inhabiting epi-anecic Earthworm burrows were also assessed using T-RFLP analysis. Epianecic Earthworms improved the leaf litter mass loss solely at the soil surface, while leaf litter mass loss was mainly due to microbial activity at 10 cm deep. Leaf litter mass loss was positively correlated to the initial biomass of the epi-anecic Earthworms and the intensity of this relationship was dependent on litter type. Interestingly, L. festivus seemed to have a higher contribution to surface leaf litter mass loss that was linked to a stimulation of the fungal communities in its burrows. Fungal communities were thus impacted by both the litter type and the epi-anecic Earthworm identity whereas soil bacterial diversity and richness were stimulated in the Earthworm burrows whatever the epi-anecic Earthworm species considered. Overall, epi-anecic Earthworms contributed to enhance the diversity of the drilospheric microbiota.
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Feeding behaviour of epi-anecic Earthworm species and their impacts on soil microbial communities
Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2018Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel CluzeauAbstract:Earthworms contribute to numerous ecosystem services provided by soils. Most of the studies focusing on the contributions of Earthworms on leaf litter decomposition were conducted by comparing distinct ecological categories (epigeic, epi-anecic, anecic strict and endogeic), whereas their specific contributions within a given ecological category remains largely unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to determine the contribution of four epi-anecic Earthworm species (Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbricus festivus, Lumbricus centralis and Lumbricus terrestris) to the leaf litter decomposition of three plant species (Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus and Corylus avellana) with contrasted litter traits located at both the soil surface and at a depth of 10 cm. Fungal and bacterial communities inhabiting epi-anecic Earthworm burrows were also assessed using T-RFLP analysis. Epi-anecic Earthworms improved the leaf litter mass loss solely at the soil surface, while leaf litter mass loss was mainly due to microbial activity at 10 cm deep. Leaf litter mass loss was positively correlated to the initial biomass of the epi-anecic Earthworms and the intensity of this relationship was dependent on litter type. Interestingly, L. festivus seemed to have a higher contribution to surface leaf litter mass loss that was linked to a stimulation of the fungal communities in its burrows. Fungal communities were thus impacted by both the litter type and the epi-anecic Earthworm identity whereas soil bacterial diversity and richness were stimulated in the Earthworm burrows whatever the epi-anecic Earthworm species considered. Overall, epi-anecic Earthworms contributed to enhance the diversity of the drilospheric microbiota. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd
Cécile Monard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Response of temperate anecic Earthworm individual biomass to species interactions
Applied Soil Ecology, 2019Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Daniel Cluzeau, Mathieu SantonjaAbstract:Earthworms contribute to a wide range of ecosystem services provided by the soil. Nevertheless, synecology of these organisms is still not properly elucidated especially in terms of species interactions. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of anecic Earthworm species interactions on their individual biomass. These effects were measured using three epi-anecic species, Lumbricus rubellus rubellus (Hoffmeister, 1843), Lumbricus centralis (Bouché, 1972), Lumbricus terrestris (Linné 1758), and three strict-anecic species, Aporrectodea caliginosa meridionalis (Bouché, 1972), Aporrectodea nocturna (Evans, 1946), Aporrectodea giardi (Savigny, 1826). Twenty-one pairs of individuals were established following five assemblages: monospecific pairwise assemblages of epi- and strict-anecic Earthworms (2 × 3 treatments), bispecific pairwise assemblages within epi- and within strict-anecic Earthworms (2 × 3 treatments) and bispecific pairwise assemblages with one epi- and one strict-anecic Earthworm (3 × 3 treatments). Treatments were maintained in mesocosms for 30 days under controlled conditions (food provided at the soil surface at the beginning of the experiment) and changes in the Earthworm individual biomass were measured. Strict-anecic Earthworms in monospecific or bispecific assemblages maintained their initial biomass. In contrast, epi-anecic Earthworms exhibited an increase of 12.4% and 23.7% of their biomass in monospecific and bispecific assemblages, respectively. In bispecific assemblages combining one epi- and one strict-anecic Earthworm, epi-anecic Earthworms solely gained biomass leading to a total increase of a 6.9%. Surprisingly, the biomass' changes were not homogenous within the two sub-categories as the six Earthworm species exhibited species-specific responses. The greatest increases in individual biomass were recorded for epi-anecic Earthworms in the bispecific assemblages. This study provides further evidence for the distinction between the two anecic sub-categories, as it indicates that species interactions is positive only for epi-anecic Earthworm biomass.
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Epi-anecic rather than strict-anecic Earthworms enhance soil enzymatic activities
Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2019Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel Cluzeau, Cécile MonardAbstract:Earthworms in interaction with soil microorganisms play a key role in litter decomposition. Moreover, as soil engineers, Earthworms modify microbial communities and their enzymatic activities. Most studies focusing on Earthworms and soil enzymatic activities compare distinct ecological categories of Earthworms whereas their contributions and interactions within a given ecological category remain largely unknown. In this context, the aims of the present study were to determine and compare the contribution of (1) three strict-anecic Earthworm species, (2) three epi-anecic Earthworm species and (3) the pairwise interactions between these different species on Lolium perenne leaf litter decomposition and soil microbial activity. After 30 days of incubation, the surface litter mass loss and five soil enzymatic activities (FDAse, β-D-glucosidase, cellobiohydrolase, leucine amino-peptidase and acid phosphatase) were measured in both Earthworm burrows and middens. In mono-specific assemblages, leaf litter mass loss and enzymatic activities were significantly higher in the presence of epi-anecic compared to strict-anecic species, whatever the species identity. These differences were higher for the β-D-glucosidase, leucine amino-peptidase and FDAse (+78%, +57% and +34%, respectively). Earthworm species interactions at both intra- and inter-ecological sub-categories did not enhance either leaf litter mass loss or enzymatic activities. Interestingly, FDAse activity was higher in Earthworm burrows whereas acid phosphatase activity was higher in Earthworm middens. These results indicate that the two anecic ecological sub-categories have different impacts on soil functioning and each of them regroups Earthworm species with similar behaviour. This functional distinction highlights the key role of epi-anecic Earthworms in fresh surface litter burial and decomposition, featuring their importance on nutrient cycling in soil and for microbial activities stimulation through resource availability.
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Feeding behavior of epi-anecic Earthworm species and their impact on soil microbial communities
2018Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel CluzeauAbstract:Earthworms contribute to numerous ecosystem services provided by soils. Most of the studies focusing on the contributions of Earthworms on leaf litter decomposition were conducted by comparing distinct ecological categories (epigeic, epi-anecic, anecic strict and endogeic), whereas their specific contributions within a given ecological category remains largely unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to determine the contribution of four epi-anecic Earthworm species (Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbricus festivus, Lumbricus centralis and Lumbricus terrestris) to the leaf litter decomposition of three plant species (Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus and Corylus avellana) with contrasted litter traits located at both the soil surface and at a depth of 10 cm. Fungal and bacterial communities inhabiting epi-anecic Earthworm burrows were also assessed using T-RFLP analysis. Epianecic Earthworms improved the leaf litter mass loss solely at the soil surface, while leaf litter mass loss was mainly due to microbial activity at 10 cm deep. Leaf litter mass loss was positively correlated to the initial biomass of the epi-anecic Earthworms and the intensity of this relationship was dependent on litter type. Interestingly, L. festivus seemed to have a higher contribution to surface leaf litter mass loss that was linked to a stimulation of the fungal communities in its burrows. Fungal communities were thus impacted by both the litter type and the epi-anecic Earthworm identity whereas soil bacterial diversity and richness were stimulated in the Earthworm burrows whatever the epi-anecic Earthworm species considered. Overall, epi-anecic Earthworms contributed to enhance the diversity of the drilospheric microbiota.
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Feeding behaviour of epi-anecic Earthworm species and their impacts on soil microbial communities
Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2018Co-Authors: Kevin Hoeffner, Cécile Monard, Mathieu Santonja, Daniel CluzeauAbstract:Earthworms contribute to numerous ecosystem services provided by soils. Most of the studies focusing on the contributions of Earthworms on leaf litter decomposition were conducted by comparing distinct ecological categories (epigeic, epi-anecic, anecic strict and endogeic), whereas their specific contributions within a given ecological category remains largely unknown. In this context, the aim of this study was to determine the contribution of four epi-anecic Earthworm species (Lumbricus rubellus, Lumbricus festivus, Lumbricus centralis and Lumbricus terrestris) to the leaf litter decomposition of three plant species (Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus and Corylus avellana) with contrasted litter traits located at both the soil surface and at a depth of 10 cm. Fungal and bacterial communities inhabiting epi-anecic Earthworm burrows were also assessed using T-RFLP analysis. Epi-anecic Earthworms improved the leaf litter mass loss solely at the soil surface, while leaf litter mass loss was mainly due to microbial activity at 10 cm deep. Leaf litter mass loss was positively correlated to the initial biomass of the epi-anecic Earthworms and the intensity of this relationship was dependent on litter type. Interestingly, L. festivus seemed to have a higher contribution to surface leaf litter mass loss that was linked to a stimulation of the fungal communities in its burrows. Fungal communities were thus impacted by both the litter type and the epi-anecic Earthworm identity whereas soil bacterial diversity and richness were stimulated in the Earthworm burrows whatever the epi-anecic Earthworm species considered. Overall, epi-anecic Earthworms contributed to enhance the diversity of the drilospheric microbiota. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd
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influence of nonnative Earthworms on mycorrhizal colonization of sugar maple acer saccharum
New Phytologist, 2003Co-Authors: Beth A Lawrence, Melany C Fisk, Timothy J Fahey, Esteban SuarezAbstract:Summary • Exotic Earthworms can modify or eliminate surface organic (Oe/Oa) horizons in cold-temperate forest ecosystems and have profound effects on the forest soil environment, especially the rooting zone. • We examined the effects of Earthworm colonization of northern hardwood forest soils on the abundance and morphology of mycorrhizal fungi associated with sugar maple ( Acer saccharum ). We compared mycorrhizal associations of areas of Earthworm invasion with those of reference (no-worm) areas in Arnot Forest, central New York, USA. • The organic horizon in reference areas had higher mycorrhizal colonization rates and higher colonized root length than did surface layers in areas with active Earthworm populations. Hyphal coils were more abundant and also formed a greater proportion of total fungal colonization in reference plots. Vesicles were more abundant and were a higher contribution to total colonization in Earthworm plots, indicating a possible stress response to the presence of Earthworms. • By affecting mycorrhizal colonization and morphology, Earthworms may influence nutrient uptake capacity of dominant forest species. Our results suggest that a profound change in the mycorrhizal system will be one component of the potential ecosystem effects of invasion of new forest habitat by nonnative Earthworms.
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influence of nonnative Earthworms on mycorrhizal colonization of sugar maple acer saccharum
New Phytologist, 2003Co-Authors: Beth A Lawrence, Melany C Fisk, Timothy J Fahey, Esteban SuarezAbstract:Summary • Exotic Earthworms can modify or eliminate surface organic (Oe/Oa) horizons in cold-temperate forest ecosystems and have profound effects on the forest soil environment, especially the rooting zone. • We examined the effects of Earthworm colonization of northern hardwood forest soils on the abundance and morphology of mycorrhizal fungi associated with sugar maple ( Acer saccharum ). We compared mycorrhizal associations of areas of Earthworm invasion with those of reference (no-worm) areas in Arnot Forest, central New York, USA. • The organic horizon in reference areas had higher mycorrhizal colonization rates and higher colonized root length than did surface layers in areas with active Earthworm populations. Hyphal coils were more abundant and also formed a greater proportion of total fungal colonization in reference plots. Vesicles were more abundant and were a higher contribution to total colonization in Earthworm plots, indicating a possible stress response to the presence of Earthworms. • By affecting mycorrhizal colonization and morphology, Earthworms may influence nutrient uptake capacity of dominant forest species. Our results suggest that a profound change in the mycorrhizal system will be one component of the potential ecosystem effects of invasion of new forest habitat by nonnative Earthworms.