[Environmental activity of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) and the spatial organization of soil communities].

The effect of feeding and burrowing activities of anecic earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) on abiotic characteristics of the soil, biomass and activity of soil microorganisms, and the spatial distribution of Collembola and Lumbricidae species was studied in a Iinden forest near Moscow. The results showed that organic carbon content, nitrogen content, pH, and microbial biomass and basal respiration are considerably higher around L. terrestris burrows than in the surrounding soil. The total density of springtails near the burrows was 1.6-1.7 as high as at the control sites. The most pronounced preference for earthworm burrows was observed in the species dominating in the soils of undisturbed deciduous forests (Isotomiella minor and Isotoma notabilis). The number and biomass of epigeic and endogeic earthworms also increased significantly in the zone of L. terrestris burrows. However, some springtail (Isotoma viridis, Protaphorura cf. nemorata, Lepidocyrtus lignorum) and earthworm species (Aporrectodea rosea) did not accumulate near L. terrestris burrows and even avoided them. Thus, L. terrestris activities create a mosaic of soil microhabitats, which provides for the coexistence of different microcommunities of soil organisms.