The composition and density of the microbial community inhabiting the
walls of Lumbricus terrestris earthworm galleries (drillosphere) in so
ddy-podzolic soil under a linden grove were studied by direct examinat
ion under a luminescence microscope. Within 2 mm of the gallery, the l
ength of fungal mycelium and the portion of germinating hyphae were mu
ch lower than in the surrounding soil. In contrast, the density of bac
teria was 3-4.5 times higher in the drillosphere than in intact soil.
The influence of earthworm galleries extended over a 5- to 10-mm zone
of the surrounding soil.