The impact of pedestrian activity on soil annelids in urban greens

The effects of pedestrian activity on soil annelid populations were investigated in two public parks in the city of Brno (Czech Republic). Simultaneous sampling in three pairs of sites, each consisting of unaffected lawn and unofficial pedestrian path, revealed that pedestrian activity reduced significantly the density (256 vs 121 ind m−2) and biomass (111 vs 51 g m−2) of earthworms and the density (9935 vs 2516 ind m−2) of enchytraeids. While the composition of the earthworm community was almost unaffected, pedestrian activity modified the community structure of enchytraeids. Negative effects of unofficial paths were more pronounced for enchytraeids than for earthworms, most probably due to the absence of the most sensitive epigeic earthworms in both lawns and paths of the studied greens. In general, the assemblages of soil annelids were mainly determined by soil compaction and moisture. In addition, enchytraeid density was strongly correlated with soil organic matter content.