Enchytraeids as bioindicators of land use and management

Enchytraeids, also called potworms, are Annelida Oligochaeta. They are present in many different soils worldwide and were found to be dominant in biomass or abundance in many habitats. These organisms are involved in key soil functions such as the dynamics of soil structure and organic matter. Based on an exhaustive literature review, we summarized the ecology and main roles of enchytraeids in soils. We also showed that enchytraeids are sensitive to changes in land use and management, both in terms of total abundance and community composition. The knowledge gaps were highlighted, as well as the needs for further research allowing to better understand the functional importance of these organisms in a context of global changes and anthropic pressures.