Relationship Between Vegetation Succession and Earthworm Population in Vineyards

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of succession of vegetation on the population of earthworms in selected vineyards. Earthworms (Annelida, Lumbricidae) are an important group of soil invertebrates. The population of earthworms in vineyards is influenced by environmental conditions and human activities. The presence of earthworms is beneficial to the ecosystem of vineyards. Earthworms aerate the soil, improving the quality and structure of the soil in vineyards. They decompose organic matter, contribute to the formation of humus, and increase the soil fertility. Vegetation cover in vineyards affects earthworm populations. The vegetation species spectrum in the vineyard changes over time, as succession is controlled by human activity. The research took place between the years 2020 and 2023 in the wine-growing villages of Horní Dunajovice, Hostěradice, Miroslav and Miroslavská Knínice (Czech Republic). 4 species of earthworms have been recorded. Aporrectodea caliginosa and A. rosea occurre frequently in younger vineyards. Annual dicots supported the occurrence of Aporrectodea caliginosa and A. rosea. Lumbricus terrestris and L. rubellus are more common in older vineyards. Perennial species supported the occurrence of Lumbricus terrestris and L. rubellus. The annual grasse contributed to the occurrence of Lumbricus rubellus. Changes in the composition of the vineyard vegetation affect the occurrence of the observed species of earthworms.

Keywords

• succession
• earthworms
• vineyards
• vegetation
• biodiversity change