Abstract
Urban trees play a critical role in mitigating climate change, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity. However, their establishment is often hindered by poor soil conditions, including compaction, low organic matter content, and limited biological activity. This research investigates whether earthworm introductions can serve as a nature-based solution to improve urban soil health and support tree vitality. The study is structured into four work packages (WPs). WP1 assesses earthworm diversity in urban soils across different environments (street tree beds, parks and private gardens), providing baseline data on their presence and distribution. WP2 explores the relationships between earthworm communities, soil properties, and tree health in urban settings, identifying key biotic and abiotic factors influencing tree performance. WP3 evaluates the effectiveness of earthworm inoculation through controlled phytometer experiments with tree seedlings and field trials in urban tree beds, testing whether the addition of earthworms and other treatments enhances tree vitality. WP4 synthesizes findings into a decision-support framework for urban planners and tree managers, translating ecological insights into practical guidelines for urban soil restoration.
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