Document Type
Report
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Invasive earthworms, particularly jumping worms (Amynthas spp.), are emerging as significant agents of ecological change in forested landscapes, including riparian zones. This study investigates their impact on soil structure, erosion, and nutrient transport in Vermont watersheds. Field surveys and soil sampling revealed that jumping worm-invaded soils exhibit increased erodibility, especially on steep slopes, leading to greater sediment and nutrient delivery to surface waters. While phosphorus concentrations remained consistent across invaded and uninvaded soils, elevated levels of calcium, potassium, and magnesium were observed in invaded sites, suggesting enhanced nutrient export due to erosion. Using the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model, we quantified erosion potential and found substantial soil loss during summer storms. Additionally, laboratory experiments on cocoon hatching behavior demonstrated that jumping worm emergence is time-dependent and moderated by temperature, with peak hatching at 10°C in early to mid-spring. These findings refine our understanding of the seasonal dynamics and ecological risks posed by jumping worms, informing watershed management and invasive species monitoring strategies.
Recommended Citation
Gorres, Josef, "Determining the Effect of Invasive Earthworms on Pollution from Forested Land Uses to Improve Water Quality Models" (2025). Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station. 2.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/vtaes/2
Gorres Project Summary
Included in
Agriculture Commons, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Environmental Sciences Commons, Forest Sciences Commons
Comments
This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch Multistate project VT-H02810MS (Accession Number 7000827).