Distribution, abundance and species associations of earthworms (Lumbricidae) in a reclaimed peat soil in Ireland

Fifteen species of earthworm were collected from a reclaimed fen peat soil used for rough hay in County Offaly, Ireland. The most common species were Aporrectodea tuberculata, Allolobophora chlorotica, Eisenia rosea and Octolasion tyrtaeum. A. tuberculata, A. chlorotica and E. rosea formed a significant association. The total numbers of earthworms collected by hand-sorting reached a maximum of 197.1 m−2. Compared with hand-sorting, formalin-expulsion was an inefficient sampling method for most species. Soil moisture varied within the study area. Total densities and biomasses of the earthworms were greater where the soil was drier. A. tuberculata, A. turgida, Satchellius mammale and the pink form of A. chlorotica were more common in the dry soils whilst O. tyrtaeum, Lumbricus rubellus and the green form of A. chlorotica were more common in the wet soils.