soil transformation

EARTHWORMS (LUMBRICIDAE, ANNELIDA) AS A COMPONENT OF ARTIFICIAL FOREST ECOSYSTEMS IN THE NORTHERN CASPIAN SEMI-DESERT

The results of the ongoing 50-year experiment of introduction of the Eisenia nordenskioldi species into massive oak plantations (Quercus robur L.) in the Northern Caspian semi-desert are analyzed. The change of the quantitative proportion of the dominant earthworm species due to the growth and conditions of forest cultures as well as their impact on the meadow-chestnut soils is considered.