Abstract
Non-native earthworms are invading forests in the northern United States that are thought to be devoid of earthworms. These invasions have large effects on soil properties and native biota. Previous research has suggested that one of the mechanisms by which earthworms negatively affect plant communities is through plant-associated mycorrhizal fungi. In this study, I investigated effects of earthworm invasions in four northeastern United States forest stands on soil properties, plant communities, and ectomycorrhizal fungi. I predicted that earthworms would homogenize the soil profile, and that plant and ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity would decline with earthworm invasions. I found that while earthworms did have large impacts on soil habitat heterogeneity, they did not significantly impact species richness of plants or ectomycorrhizal fungi. My results suggest that medium-distance fringe ectomycorrhizal exploration types may be less common in areas with earthworms.