Invasive Earthworms and Ecosystem Processes in North America

Earthworms significantly influence soil structure and plant growth in agricultural ecosystems, but their invasions in North America, particularly by species within the Megascolecidae family, have raised ecological concerns. While earthworms are generally considered indicators of soil health, invasive species can negatively impact ecosystems by altering soil structure. These invasions, facilitated by human activities, disrupt natural soil processes and nutrient cycles, contributing to environmental changes on a large scale. Effective management and control measures, including quarantine protocols and biological control agents, are crucial to mitigate the spread and impact of invasive earthworm species.