Artificial Light at Night Reduces the Surface Activity of Earthworms, Increases the Growth of a Cover Crop and Reduces Water Leaching

Zenia Kavassilas, Marion Mittmannsgruber (), Edith Gruber and Johann G. Zaller ()
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Zenia Kavassilas: Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, BOKU University, 1180 Vienna, Austria
Marion Mittmannsgruber: Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, BOKU University, 1180 Vienna, Austria
Edith Gruber: Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, BOKU University, 1180 Vienna, Austria
Johann G. Zaller: Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, BOKU University, 1180 Vienna, Austria

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-13

Abstract: Artificial light at night (ALAN), also known as light pollution, is a growing environmental problem worldwide. However, only a few studies have examined whether soil organisms that search for food at the surface at night can be affected by ALAN. We investigated the effects of ALAN on the above-ground foraging activity of anecic earthworms ( Lumbricus terrestris ), on the soil water infiltration and on the germination and growth of a cover crop ( Phacelia tanacetifolia ). In a full-factorial greenhouse experiment, we tested four factors: ALAN (about 5 lx during the night vs. total darkness), earthworms (two specimens vs. none), plant species ( Phacelia alone vs. mixed with ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia ) and sowing depth (surface-sown vs. sown in 5 cm depth). Data were analysed using multifactorial ANOVAs. Earthworms removed 51% less surface litter under ALAN than under dark conditions. ALAN had no effect on Phacelia germination but resulted in increased height growth and biomass production when the seeds were buried. Earthworms reduced Phacelia germination and biomass production. ALAN reduced water leaching through the experimental units, probably due to interactions between the subsurface casts and plant roots. We conclude that ALAN, as emitted from streetlights, can lead to complex ecological effects in ecosystems that merit further investigation.

Keywords: agroecology; ALAN; artificial light at night; earthworms; light pollution; Lumbricus terrestris; Phacelia tanacetifolia; plant–animal interactions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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