The effects of earthworms Eisenia spp. on microbial community are habitat dependent

The effects of earthworms Eisenia spp. on microorganisms of three different habitat soil, compost, and vermiculture were studied. Microbial communities of gut and fresh faeces of earthworms and substrates, the worms were collected from, were analysed. Microbial biomass and composition of the total microbial community were examined using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarkers. Archaeal and bacterial communities were studied by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The culturing methods were used for assessment of counts, species richness and growth strategy of bacteria.