01401nas a2200145   4500008004100000245009600041210006900137300001500206490000700221520085000228653002201078100001601100700001901116856012001135       1986                        eng d00aNitrogen mineralization by native and introduced earthworms: effects on big bluestem growth0 aNitrogen mineralization by native and introduced earthworms effe  a1094 -10970 v673 a<p>The presence, in the tallgrass prairie of North America, of an introduced European earthworm, Aporrectodea turgida Eisen (Lumbricidae) and native worms of the genus Diplocardia (Acanthodrilidae) led us to ask how the two groups compare with regard to mineralization of nitrogen and stimulation of plant growth in this ecosystem. Our working hypothesis was that earthworm- caused increases in N mineralization would be detected in leachates from pot cultures and reflected in increased plant growth and N uptake by Andropogon gerardii Vitman, a tallgrass dominant. The magnitude of both of these effects was expected to be greater in pots containing A. turgida, because these worms are larger and appear to be more active. Gut analysis was also performed to assess potential differences in feeding habits of the Diplocardias and A. turgida</p>10atallgrass prairie1 aJames, S.W.1 aSeastedt, T.R.  uhttp://knz.lternet.edu/content/nitrogen-mineralization-native-and-introduced-earthworms-effects-big-bluestem-growth