A1 Journal article (refereed)
Impact of genetic diversity of an earthworm on decomposition and ecosystem functioning (2020)

Mustonen, M., Haimi, J., & Knott, K. E. (2020). Impact of genetic diversity of an earthworm on decomposition and ecosystem functioning. European Journal of Soil Biology, 99, Article 103192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejsobi.2020.103192

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Mustonen, Marina; Haimi, Jari; Knott, K. Emily

Journal or series: European Journal of Soil Biology

ISSN: 1164-5563

eISSN: 1778-3615

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 99

Article number: 103192

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: France

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejsobi.2020.103192

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93712

Abstract

Ecosystem functioning is affected positively by increased biodiversity, through complementary functions of multiple species or because high-functioning species are more likely in a species-rich community. Genetic diversity is one level of biodiversity that has been shown to positively affect ecosystem functioning. Whether the genetic diversity of a key decomposer species affects decomposition processes, and ecosystem functioning in general, is still unknown. We compared low and high genetic diversity assemblages of the earthworm Dendrobaena octaedra in two different experiments: using microcosms containing a simple community of other decomposer animals (some nematodes and other microfauna) and using microcosms with a more complex community, including also another earthworm species, diverse microarthropod fauna and enchytraeid worms. We studied the soil decomposition activity through measurements of mineral nitrogen and CO2-production. In addition, the wellbeing of the earthworms was followed by determining their biomass, cocoon production, mortality and gene expression. Very few differences between low and high diversity microcosms were found, often in only one of the years studied. When differences were found, these depended on which genotype was present in the low diversity treatment. Our results suggest it is not genetic diversity per se, but specific genotypes of key decomposer species that can affect ecosystem functioning.

Keywords: genetic polymorphism; genotype; Lumbricidae; soil organisms; food webs; decomposition (biodegradation)

Free keywords: intraspecific diversity; diversity-functioning relationship; Dendrobaena octaedra; soil food webs

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1