Impact
When it comes to invasive earthworms, there are small- and large-scale effects. We know that the changes in soil caused by earthworms initiate a cascade of environmental events. But the larger effects on water quality, erosion, climate change, and human disease still need to be quantified.
This information is crucial when it comes to persuading policy makers, grant makers, and government bodies of the urgency of this problem. Resource managers and conservation organizations also need this information to help them prioritize threatened ecosystem services.
Representative projects:
Jumping Worm Invasion and Impact in the Northern Forest
In this collaborative three-year project, we are studying the environmental conditions associated with jumping worm invasion and subsequent impacts on biodiversity, nutrient cycling, water quality, and forest regeneration across the Northern Forest ecosystem. A secondary part of this project also develops training protocols and seminars to leverage a network of resource managers, naturalists, and gardeners to detect, report, and monitor jumping worms across in the region.
Biodiversity Changes in Jumping Worm Invasion
In parallel to large-scale studies on impacts across the Northern Forest, we are also investigating local impacts on wildlife and biodiversity markers. In central and eastern New York, our researchers are using model forests and sampling from forests invaded by jumping worms or European worms to assess impacts on leaf-litter dwelling arthropods and amphibian populations.
Understand Co-Stressor Impacts
Preliminary research suggests that the combination of jumping worms and additional stressors like invasive vegetation, deer overabundance, and climate change can magnify the impact of these worms on an ecosystem. We are investigating the combined impacts of jumping worms and various common stressors in the Catskills, New York State Parks, and Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) in New York City. This work will also identify native plants that can withstand multiple stressors and could serve as first-step restoration vegetation.
Jumping Worm and Heavy Metals
Photo with permission LuAnn Uszakiewicz
Earlier research by our scientists proved that jumping worms can accumulate heavy metals from the soil, becoming vectors to toxins like lead, mercury, and arsenic that were previously locked in soil banks. This research is on-going to understand the implications of these re-mobilized toxins on local food webs and drinking water resources.
Jumping Worms and Climate Change
Invasive European earthworms significantly decrease soil carbon storage. Jumping worms create even more dramatic soil changes more quickly than European worms, meaning they almost certainly will have as much or more impact on soil carbon. We are actively launching pilot studies to examine the carbon flux effects of jumping worms, with the intention of expanding that work to inform larger models of climate change and global carbon storage.
The Human Impact
Resilient ecosystems need resilient communities. Gardeners, homeowners, and others who discover jumping worms on their land often experience profound feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anxiety, and mourning. However, participating in community science projects on jumping worm observation and management appears to lead to significant improvements, such as reduced worry and increased confidence and motivation.
The Healthy Soil Collaborative is not just meant to be a research body—but also a way to foster hope and resilience among all parts of a community that cares about their environment. By engaging with the public, not only do our scientists benefit by expanding their research and brainstorming capacity, but the public may also benefit by being a true part of the solution. Our research in this area focuses on how we can best create these collaborations and nurture hope for the future.
