Impact analysis of climate change on localized earthworm populations

Abstract

This study is a continuation of work established at West Liberty University, focusing on earthworm populations in the campus woods area and the effects of climate change based on comparison data collected over four summers, 2021 to 2024, utilizing equations provided by Byun and Wilhite (1999). The purpose of this study was to analyze the impacts on localized populations of naturalized Lumbricidae and invasive Megascolecidaea species. Since 2020, we have been monitoring a 900 m² plot in WLU’s campus woods community. Weekly surveys of this site measured worm density, length, and a variety of environmental parameters, including air and soil temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture. Based on previous studies, the environmental conditions we have collected are considered to be main factors that affect earthworm densities (Eisenhauer et al., 2014; Phillips et al., 2020). Our results conclude that extreme weather conditions, specifically drought, have deleterious impacts on both populations but more so on Lumbricidae species. This suggests that the Megascolecidae species can endure and survive through extreme events most probably due to their life history, of which little is still known (Ake, J., Butcher, L., & Dann, J., personal communication, February 12, 2025.). Continued monitoring of both populations and improved research regarding Megascolecidae life history is needed to provide more conclusive evidence for the fate of naturalized and invasive earthworm populations and the effects of population density fluctuations on native deciduous forests.