Summary
Earthworms provide important ecosystem services such as plant yield increase and soil structure improvement. Soil tillage systems affect earthworm abundance, e.g., that of Lumbricus terrestris, the burrows of which can increase water infiltration. We tested the impact and mechanisms of additional L. terrestris on plant growth and soil physical parameters in Austria. At two sites, 14 individuals m−2 were inoculated under different soil tillage systems into large enclosures of 7.5 m2, to compare enhanced versus ambient numbers of L. terrestris for maize (Zea mays) followed by wheat (Triticum aestivum). Tested soil tillage systems were plough (CON, 30 cm depth), cultivator (RED; 15 cm depth) and no soil tillage (NT; 0 cm depth). The success rate of inoculation was similar between the soil til
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