Earthworm Diversity, Forest Conversion and Agroforestry in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam

Rachmat Mulia, Sam Van Hoang, Dinh Van Mai, Ngoc Bich Thi Duong, Anh Duc Nguyen, Dang Hai Lam, Duyen Thu Thi Hoang and Meine van Noordwijk
Additional contact information
Rachmat Mulia: World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Sam Van Hoang: Department of Forest Plant, Vietnam National University of Forestry, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Dinh Van Mai: Department of Soil, Vietnam National University of Forestry, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Ngoc Bich Thi Duong: Department of Environmental Engineering, Vietnam National University of Forestry, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Anh Duc Nguyen: Department of Soil Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Dang Hai Lam: Department of Biology, School of Education, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
Duyen Thu Thi Hoang: Climate Change and Development Program, Vietnam-Japan University, Vietnam National University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Meine van Noordwijk: World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Bogor 16155, Indonesia

Land, 2021, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: The conversion of natural forests to different land uses still occurs in various parts of Southeast Asia with poor records of impact on ecosystem services and biodiversity. We quantified such impacts on earthworm diversity in two communes of Quang Nam province, Vietnam. Both communes are situated within buffer zones of a nature reserve where remaining natural forests are under threat of continued conversion. We identified 25 different earthworm species, out of which 21 were found in natural forests, 15 in agroforestry, 14 in planted forests, and seven each in annual croplands and home gardens. Out of the six species that were omnipresent inhabitants of all observed habitats, Pontoscolex corethrurus largely dominated habitats with intensive anthropogenic activities but was rare in natural forests. Natural and regenerated forests had a much denser earthworm population in the top 10 cm of soil rather than in deeper soil layers. We conclude that the conversion of natural forests into different land uses has reduced earthworm diversity which can substantially affect soil health and ecosystem functions in the two communes. Protection of the remaining natural forests is urgent, while the promotion of a tree-based farming system such as agroforestry can reconcile earthworm conservation and local livelihoods.

Keywords: land-use change; belowground biodiversity; soil engineers; Pontoscolex corethrurus; natural habitats; planted forest (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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