PATTERNS OF LITTER DISAPPEARANCE IN A NORTHERN HARDWOOD FOREST INVADED BY EXOTIC EARTHWORMS.

The article evaluates the effects of exotic earthworm invasions on the rates of leaf litter disappearance in a northern hardwood forest in south central New York. The researchers assessed the differences between litter quality and the species compositions of exotic earthworm communities as they affect leaf litter disappearance rates. They selected two forest sites with contrasting communities of exotic earthworms. It was found out that the composition of the earthworm communities affected the patterns of litter disappearance.