Citation
Soil invertebrates and ecosystem services
TL;DR
Earthworm activity increases decomposition rates by 50-300%
This comprehensive review documented how soil invertebrates, including earthworms, drive decomposition and nutrient cycling. The finding that earthworm activity can increase decomposition rates by 50-300% and soil nitrogen availability by 20-50% demonstrates the importance of active decomposer communities.
For organizations, this suggests that passive 'natural' decomposition of failed initiatives is insufficient - active decomposition mechanisms (like post-mortems, talent redeployment programs, and technology transfer processes) dramatically accelerate value recovery from endings.
Key Findings from Lavelle et al. (2006)
- Earthworm activity increases decomposition rates by 50-300%
- Soil nitrogen availability increases 20-50% with earthworm presence
- Soils without earthworms accumulate thick litter layers while earthworm-rich soils show rapid turnover