Abundance of Common Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) in Varying Soil Environments

• Alaina Bower

  Juniata College

  Author

• Makayla Kochara

  Juniata College

  Author

• Grace Finch

  Juniata College

  Author

• Rilee Connors

  Juniata College

  Author

Throughout time, it has been thought that common earthworms, Lumbricus terrestris, prefer moist, nutrient-rich soil or areas with decaying plant matter. We tested this belief. We hypothesized that worm abundance would be greater in a grassy field area with higher moisture levels than in wooded or urban areas that contain less moisture. We found that worms were most abundant at a field site with the highest moisture level. Worm abundance was also negatively correlated with soil pH.

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