Earthworm extraction by electroshocking does not affect canopy CO2 exchange, root respiration, mycorrhizal fungal abundance or mycorrhizal fungal vitality

Electroshocking has been used to manipulate earthworm populations in agroecosystems. However, data on the effects of electroshocking on vegetation are lacking. Here we report on a field experiment with the aim to validate electroshocking as a means of manipulating earthworms without otherwise affecting the soil–plant system. We showed that there was no effect of electroshocking on canopy CO2 exchange, root respiration or mycorrhizal fungal abundance and vitality (i.e. the proportion of mycorrhizal fungal structure which was alive). The potential for using electroshocking to manipulate earthworm populations in the field and test ecological hypotheses relating to the role of soil biodiversity in soil processes is discussed.