Implications of a potential range expansion of invasive earthworms in Ontario's forested ecosystems

In this study, we undertook to review knowledge of the status and distribution of earthworms in Ontario, explore the use of selected ecological and socio-economic variables to complete a preliminary vulnerability analysis of forested ecosystems to earthworm invasions in a warming climate, comment on the known and potential ecological effects of earthworms on Ontario’s forests, and recommend next s [...] As the Earth’s atmospheric temperature warms in response to continued and increasing emissions of greenhouse gases, concurrent changes occur in soil temperature, soil moisture, and plant community structure, all of which can significantly affect the distribution and abundance of earthworm populations in existing and potentially new habitats. [...] Bulk density: Bulk density reflects the relationship of the mass of soil particles to volume and depends significantly on the size of the soil solids (particles or granules) and the degree of compaction. [...] Important elements include carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen: Carbon: Soil mixing and incorporation of organic matter results in the transfer of large quantities of carbon to lower horizons from the soil surface and increases humification and decomposition rates (Wironen and Moore 2006).