Environmental aspects of the effect of earthworm (Lumbricidae, Oligochaeta) tropho-metabolic activity on the pH buffering capacity of remediated soil (steppe zone, Ukraine)

Environmental aspects of tropho-metabolic activity of soil saprophages on the pH-buffering capacity of remediated soils in Ukraine was considered. Earthworm (Lumbricidae) casts have been proven experimentally to have a higher acid–base buffering capacity in comparison with that of the initial soil. Remediated soils enriched with earthworm casts become more resistant to negative anthropogenic effects. Thus, the activity of soil saprophages influences positively the environmental properties of remediated soils on forest remediation sites by increasing their buffer capacity.