The-environment-magazine

How Invasive Earthworms Are Changing North American Forests: A Hidden Threat to Biodiversity and Climate Table of Contents Introduction Earthworms: Helpful or Harmful? Are Earthworms Native to North America? How Earthworms Arrived in North America Why Earthworms Are Considered Invasive Understanding Boreal Forest Ecosystems The Importance of Soil Carbon Storage How Earthworms Change Forest Soils Earthworms and Carbon Dioxide Emissions Effects on Plants and Forest Vegetation Impact on Wildlife and Biodiversity Loss of the Forest Leaf Litter Layer Why Earthworms Are Called Ecosystem Engineers Human Activities That Spread Earthworms The Role of Fishing Bait Transporting Soil and Garden Plants Preventing the Spread of Invasive Earthworms Frequently Asked Questions Final Thoughts Introduction Earthworms are widely regarded as "nature's gardeners." They improve soil aeration, recycle nutrients, and support healthy crop production in farms and home gardens. However, in some part...