The impact of cattle pasturage on small annelids (Annelida: Enchytraeidae, Tubificidae, Aeolosomatidae) in grasslands of the White Carpathians (Czech Republic)

Small soil-dwelling annelids (Enchytraeidae, Tubificidae, Aeolosomatidae) were investigated at two sites in the White Carpathians (Czechia), each consisting of one meadow and one cattle pasture. Sampling was conducted on four dates during a 1-year period (2002–2003). Enchytraeid species numbers ranged from 11 to 17, with more species found in the meadows. The most abundant species were Enchytraeus buchholzi s. l., Fridericia isseli, Fridericia semisetosa, Fridericia galba, Fridericia bulboides, Fridericia bisetosa, Cernosvitoviella minor (in the meadows), and Achaeta spp. (in one of the pastures). Henlea spp. preferred the pastures. Rhyacodrilus falciformis was recorded in all plots, Aeolosoma hemprichi and A. cf. niveum in one meadow plot. Enchytraeid densities reached up to 13 750 individuals m−2, later drought led to much lower values. Densities were generally higher in meadows than in pastures. The vertical distribution differed between meadows and pastures: higher percentages of individuals were present in the upper 6 cm of pasture soil.