The burrowing and feeding activities of earthworms may have a strong effect on the flux of N 2 O from agricultural soils. As such, shifts to agricultural management practices that increase the number of earthworms require an understanding of the role of earthworms in N 2 O dynamics. We conducted a field experiment to examine the effects of addition of anecic earthworms ( Lumbricus terrestris ) on N 2 O flux in a field previously planted with corn ( Zea mays ) in southern Rhode Island , USA . Plots were amended with ( 15 NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 and either 0 (CTL) or 48 L . terrestris m -2 (EW). The flux of N 2 O, 15 N 2 O and 15 N 2 was measured over 28 days between October and November 2008. The EW treatment had a significantly higher flux of N 2 O and 15 N 2 O 1 - 3 days after 15 NH 4 addition. No treatment effects were observed on 15 N 2 flux. The addition of earthworms significantly increased (Day 1) and decreased (Day 12) the mole fraction of N 2 O relative to the CTL. Our results suggest that anecic earthworm additions can increase N 2 O flux from inorganic fertilizer N amendments, but the effects appear to short-lived.
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