Multivariate Analysis of Soil Factors Shaping Earthworm Communities
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Government College University Faisalabad
SŁOWA KLUCZOWE
DZIEDZINY
STRESZCZENIE
Earthworms are key regulators of soil ecosystem functioning through their influence on soil structure, nutrient dynamics, and physicochemical interactions. This study investigated the relationships between soil abiotic properties and the distribution patterns of four earthworm species (Metaphire hawayana, Metaphire posthuma, Lumbricus trapezoides, and Lumbricus rubellus) across six diverse microhabitats in Faisalabad, Pakistan. A total of 1,800 soil samples were analyzed for texture, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, major macro and micronutrients, and other physicochemical parameters. Hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to identify patterns of association among soil variables within species-specific habitats. Distinct clustering structures were observed among soil physicochemical factors, indicating clear differences in ecological preferences among earthworm species. Electrical conductivity, soil pH, moisture content, and nutrient concentrations emerged as the most influential variables governing species occurrence across microhabitats. Cluster similarity levels varied substantially among species, reflecting differential sensitivity to soil environmental conditions. Microhabitat-based analysis further demonstrated that vegetation composition and associated soil characteristics contribute significantly to spatial variability in earthworm communities.
Overall, the findings highlight the strong role of soil abiotic heterogeneity in shaping earthworm distribution and community organization in agro-ecosystems. This study provides useful insights for soil quality evaluation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land-management strategies.