The anecic earthworm Lumbricus terrestris can persist after introduction into permanent grassland on sandy soil

Grasslands are important water-regulating agro-ecosystems. Their ability to store and retain water is of vital importance under the current trend of increasing peak rains and droughts, which are events that can result in economic damage to infrastructure and crops. The presence of the anecic earthworm Lumbricus terrestris has a positive effect on the water regulation of the soil. This earthworm creates semi-permanent burrows with a depth of up to 2 m, which increase the water infiltration rate and capacity of the soil. The burrows can also facilitate plant root penetration into deeper soil layers, thus increasing drought resistance. The objective of this research was to explore the ability of L. terrestris to survive and reproduce after introduction into grasslands on sandy soils where they had been absent.