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Aims <p>Earthworms are recognized as key regulators of soil microbial properties and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear globally. This study aims to quantify the effects of earthworms on GHG emissions and microbial dynamics, focusing on functional groups, habitat attributes, and their interactions.</p> Methods <p>Using meta-analysis method with 2401 observations extracted from 127 publications, we quantitatively evaluated earthworm effects and the associated driving factors across the globe.</p> Results <p>We found that (1) earthworm activity significantly increased the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) and nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O) by 13.5% and 27.4%, respectively, but decreased methane (CH₄) emissions by 22.5%, while earthworm activity also significantly stimulated microbial biomass; (2) native earthworm species promoted CO<sub>2</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>O emissions, whereas exotic species served as key taxa driving changes in CH<sub>4</sub> emissions and microbial biomass; (3) anecic earthworms exerted strong positive effects on CO<sub>2</sub> and N<sub>2</sub>O emissions, as well as on microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN), with stronger promotive effects detected in shallow soil layers and loam soils; and (4) MBC was positively correlated with CO<sub>2</sub> emissions (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), emissions of CO<sub>2</sub>, CH<sub>4</sub>, and N<sub>2</sub>O exhibited divergent dynamics with increasing earthworm incubation duration, and earthworm density and functional group composition emerged as key regulators of GHG emissions.</p> Conclusions <p>Our research provides new evidence for better understanding and addressing global warming, revealing the important regulatory role of earthworms in promoting GHG emissions and emphasizing the importance of incorporating biochemical factors into climate models.</p>

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Earthworm activity increases soil greenhouse gas emission and microbial biomass: a global meta-analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月7日

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  • Yiqing Wang,
  • Yuchen Zheng,
  • Josep Peñuelas,
  • Qiqian Wu,
  • Yan Peng,
  • Zimin Li,
  • Petr Heděnec,
  • Yuexin Fan,
  • Chaoxiang Yuan,
  • Jinghui He,
  • Nannan An,
  • Fuzhong Wu,
  • Kai Yue

摘要

Aims

Earthworms are recognized as key regulators of soil microbial properties and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear globally. This study aims to quantify the effects of earthworms on GHG emissions and microbial dynamics, focusing on functional groups, habitat attributes, and their interactions.

Methods

Using meta-analysis method with 2401 observations extracted from 127 publications, we quantitatively evaluated earthworm effects and the associated driving factors across the globe.

Results

We found that (1) earthworm activity significantly increased the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) by 13.5% and 27.4%, respectively, but decreased methane (CH₄) emissions by 22.5%, while earthworm activity also significantly stimulated microbial biomass; (2) native earthworm species promoted CO2 and N2O emissions, whereas exotic species served as key taxa driving changes in CH4 emissions and microbial biomass; (3) anecic earthworms exerted strong positive effects on CO2 and N2O emissions, as well as on microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN), with stronger promotive effects detected in shallow soil layers and loam soils; and (4) MBC was positively correlated with CO2 emissions (p < 0.001), emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O exhibited divergent dynamics with increasing earthworm incubation duration, and earthworm density and functional group composition emerged as key regulators of GHG emissions.

Conclusions

Our research provides new evidence for better understanding and addressing global warming, revealing the important regulatory role of earthworms in promoting GHG emissions and emphasizing the importance of incorporating biochemical factors into climate models.