Earthworms
at Reading
“It may be doubted whether there are
many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the
world as these lowly organized creatures.” Charles Darwin, (1881) The Formation
of Vegetable Mould, through the Action of
There has been much research carried out
into the ecology of earthworms since the publication of
Earthworms are vastly important to the
functioning of soil and whole ecosystems. They help degrade organic matter, mix
and aerate soils, and boost soil stability and fertility. The importance of
earthworms to healthy soils is recognized by their inclusion in many national
ecological risk assessment schemes. My research on earthworm ecology addresses
several important questions.
What role do earthworms
play in soil development?
How do earthworms
and metals interact?
Earthworm
interactions with organic compounds
Earthworms and
the carbon cycle
Current group members: Danni Sinnett, Tom
Sizmur, Laura Atuah, Jose Gomez-Eyles, Melanie Bottoms, Dr Denise Lambkin
Past group members: Dr Dan Carpenter,
Dr Jane Andre, Dr SianEllis, Dr Rebecca Arnold, Dr Johanne Nahmani, Dr Nic
Davies, Dr Caroline Langdon
Current and past funders of our research: NERC, BBSRC, EPSRC, Leverhulme Trust, Syngenta, Ghanian Government,
Nuffield foundation, STFC
Earthworm publications
from my research group
I am always happy to discuss possible
collaborations. If you would like to work with us either here in