German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstrasse 4, 04103, Leipzig, GermanyHelen R. P. Phillips, Joanne M. Bennett, Rémy Beugnon, Olga Ferlian, Carlos A. Guerra, Birgitta König-Ries, Julia J. Krebs, Ulrich Brose & Nico EisenhauerInstitute of Biology, Leipzig University, Puschstrasse 4, 04103, Leipzig, GermanyHelen R. P. Phillips, Rémy Beugnon, Olga Ferlian, Julia J. Krebs & Nico EisenhauerDepartment of Environmental Science, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, CanadaHelen R. P. Phillips & Erin K. CameronGlobal Soil Biodiversity Initiative and School of Global Environmental Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USAElizabeth M. Bach & Diana H. WallDepartment of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USAElizabeth M. Bach & Diana H. WallUniversidade Positivo, Rua Prof. Pedro Viriato Parigot de Souza, 5300, Curitiba, PR, 81280-330, BrazilMarie L. C. BartzCenter of Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martins de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, PortugalMarie L. C. BartzInstitute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108, Halle (Saale), GermanyJoanne M. Bennett & Carlos A. GuerraCentre for Applied Water Science, Institute for Applied Ecology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, AustraliaJoanne M. BennettDepartamento de Ecología y Biología Animal, Universidad de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, SpainMaria J. I. BrionesEmbrapa Forestry, Estrada da Ribeira, km. 111, C.P. 231, Colombo, PR, 83411-000, BrazilGeorge G. BrownA.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky pr., 33, Moscow, 119071, RussiaKonstantin B. Gongalsky & Iurii M. LebedevM.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1, Moscow, 119991, RussiaKonstantin B. Gongalsky & Iurii M. LebedevInstitute of Computer Science, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2, 07743, Jena, GermanyBirgitta König-RiesEuropean Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, ItalyAlberto OrgiazziDepartment of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 6700, Wageningen, AB, The NetherlandsKelly S. Ramirez, Wim H. van der Putten & Madhav P. ThakurSenckenberg Museum for Natural History Görlitz, Department of Soil Zoology, 02826, Görlitz, GermanyDavid J. RussellBiometry and Environmental System Analysis, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106, Freiburg, GermanyBenjamin SchwarzInstitute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger-Str. 159, 07743, Jena, GermanyUlrich BroseCEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier, FranceThibaud DecaënsSorbonne Université, Institut d’Ecologie et des Sciences de l’Environnement, 75005, Paris, FrancePatrick LavelleCentre for Biodiversity Theory and Modelling, Theoretical and Experimental Ecology Station, CNRS, 09200, Moulis, FranceMichel LoreauSorbonne Université, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris (UMR 7618 IEES-Paris, CNRS, INRA, UPMC, IRD, UPEC), 4 place Jussieu, 75000, Paris, FranceJérôme MathieuINRA, IRD, Institut d’Ecologie et des Sciences de l’Environnement de Paris, F-75005, Paris, FranceJérôme MathieuDepartment of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124, Catania, ItalyChristian MulderLaboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University, PO Box 8123, 6700, Wageningen, ES, The NetherlandsWim H. van der PuttenInstitute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, GermanyMatthias C. Rillig & Daniel R. LammelInstitute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The NetherlandsFranciska T. de VriesAsian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, SingaporeDavid A. WardleCentre of Biodiversity and Sustainable Landuse, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 1, Göttingen, GermanyChristian AmmerSilviculture and Forest Ecology of the Temperate Zones, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 1, Göttingen, GermanyChristian AmmerForest Sciences and Forest Ecology, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 1, Göttingen, GermanySabine AmmerInstitute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 3-1-3 Kan-nondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, JapanMiwa AraiLand Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of Nairobi, Kapenguria Road, Off Naivasha Road, P.O Box 29053, Nairobi, KenyaFredrick O. AyukeRwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture, KG 541, Kigali, RwandaFredrick O. AyukeHealth & Biosecurity, CSIRO, PO Box 1700, Canberra, AustraliaGeoff H. BakerDepartment of Animal Science, Santa Catarina State University, Chapecó, SC, 89815-630, BrazilDilmar BarettaExperimental Infrastructure Platform (EIP), Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, Müncheberg, GermanyDietmar Barkusky & Monika JoschkoDépartment de biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, CanadaRobin Beauséjour & Robert L. BradleyGeology Department, FCEFQyN, ICBIA-CONICET (National Scientific and Technical Research Council), National University of Rio Cuarto, Ruta 36 Km, 601, Río Cuarto, ArgentinaJose C. Bedano & Anahí DomínguezDepartment of Ecology, Brandenburg University of Technology, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 6, Cottbus, GermanyKlaus BirkhoferEco&Sols, Univ Montpellier, IRD, INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, Montpellier, FranceEric Blanchart & Michel BrossardNatural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USABernd BlosseyEarth Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, IrelandThomas BolgerSchool of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, IrelandThomas BolgerDepartment of Entomology, Cornell University, 3132, Comstock Hall, Ithaca, NY, USAJames C. BurtisEMMAH, UMR 1114, INRA, Site Agroparc, Avignon, FranceYvan CapowiezThe School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, AustraliaTimothy R. CavagnaroFaculty of Forestry, University of Toronto, 33 Willcocks Street, Toronto, CanadaAmy Choi & Sandy M. SmithLaboratoire Écologie et Biologie des Interactions, équipe EES, UMR CNRS 7267, Université de Poitiers, 5 rue Albert Turpain, Poitiers, FranceJulia ClauseUMR ECOBIO (Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Evolution) CNRS-Université de Rennes, Station Biologique, 35380, Paimpont, FranceDaniel Cluzeau & Guénola PérèsECT Oekotoxikologie GmbH, Boettgerstr. 2-14, Floersheim, GermanyAnja CoorsInstitute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth Universtiy, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, SY24 3EE, United KingdomFelicity V. CrottySchool for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, Royal Agricultural University, Stroud Road, Cirencester, GL7 6JS, United KingdomFelicity V. CrottyOdum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E Green Street, Athens, USAJasmine M. CrumseyDepartment of Biological Sciencies, SUNY Cortland, 1215 Bowers Hall, Cortland, USAAndrea DávalosBiodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, University Complutense of Madrid, José Antonio Novais, 12, Madrid, SpainDarío J. Díaz Cosín, Mónica Gutiérrez López, Juan B. Jesús, Marta Novo & Dolores TrigoYale School of the Environment, Yale University, 370 Prospect St, New Haven, CT, USAAnnise M. DobsonDepartamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Argentina – INEDES (Universidad Nacional de Luján – CONICET), Luján, ArgentinaAndrés Esteban DuhourLouis Bolk Institute, Kosterijland 3-5, Bunnik, The NetherlandsNick van EekerenDepartment of Soil Science, University of Trier, Campus II, Behringstraße 21, Trier, GermanyChristoph EmmerlingDepartamento de Ciencias Básicas, Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Av. Constitución y Ruta 5, Luján, ArgentinaLiliana B. FalcoAnimal Biodiversity and Evolution, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37, Barcelona, SpainRosa FernándezDepartment of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University, 1170 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, USASteven J. Fonte & Tunsisa T. HurissoBiodiversity and Systematic Network, Institute of Ecology A.C., El Haya, Xalapa, Veracruz, 91070, MexicoCarlos FragosoDepartment of Biology, Colorado State University, 200 West Lake Street, Fort Collins, CO, USAAndré L. C. FrancoDepartment of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Tugbok District, Davao, PhilippinesAbegail FusileroLaboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Aquatic Ecology, Environmental Toxicology Unit – GhEnToxLab, Ghent University, Campus Coupure, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, BelgiumAbegail FusileroCenter for Forest Ecology and Productivity RAS, Profsoyuznaya st. 84/32 bldg. 14, Moscow, RussiaAnna P. GeraskinaRazi University, Kermanshah, IranShaieste Gholami & Ehsan SayadUnited States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry, 1201 Ceiba Street, San Juan, Puerto RicoGrizelle GonzálezDepartment of Forest Ecology and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skogsmarksgrand 17, 901 83, Umeå, SwedenMichael J. GundaleDepartment of Biology, University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8 A, Osijek, CroatiaBranimir K. Hackenberger & Davorka K. HackenbergerAgriculture engineering, Agroecology Postgraduate Program, Maranhão State University, Avenida Lourenço Vieira da Silva 1000, São Luis, BrazilLuis M. Hernández & Guillaume X. RousseauDepartment of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Agriculture Victoria, Chiltern Valley Road, Rutherglen, AustraliaJeff R. HirthFaculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 394 Tsubakuro, Sasaguri, Fukuoka, 811-2415, JapanTakuo HishiMinnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road, St Paul, MN, USAAndrew R. HoldsworthDepartment of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsøvej 25, Aarhus, DenmarkMartin HolmstrupDepartment of Biological Science, Northern Kentucky University, 1 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY, USAKristine N. HopfenspergerAgricultura Sociedad y Ambiente, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Polígono s/n Cd. Industrial Lerma, Campeche, Campeche, MexicoEsperanza Huerta LwangaSoil Physics and Land Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsteeg 4, Wageningen, The NetherlandsEsperanza Huerta Lwanga & Loes van SchaikDept. of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Box 35, Jyväskylä, FinlandVeikko HuhtaCollege of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences, Lincoln University of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO, 65101, USATunsisa T. HurissoSchool of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, USABasil V. Iannone IIISustainable Development and Environmental Engineering, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Banat “King Michael the 1st of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, Timisoara, RomaniaMadalina IordacheInstitute for Ecosystem Research, University of Kiel, Olshausenstrasse 40, 24098, Kiel, GermanyUlrich IrmlerTartu College, Tallinn University of Technology, Puiestee 78, Tartu, EstoniaMari IvaskDepartment of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive MS, 2340, Moscow, USAJodi L. Johnson-MaynardFaculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Kanayagawa 1, Fukushima, JapanNobuhiro KanekoDepartment of Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University, Tajovského 40, Banská Bystrica, SlovakiaRadoslava KanianskaUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, United KingdomAidan M. KeithLand Use and Governance, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, Müncheberg, GermanyMaria L. KerneckerUFR Sciences de la Nature, UR Gestion Durable des Sols, Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d’IvoireArmand W. KonéFaculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, 46417-76489, Noor, Mazandaran, IranYahya KoochProduction Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Survontie 9 A, Jyväskylä, FinlandSanna T. KukkonenDepartment of Zoology, Pachhunga University College, Aizawl, Mizoram, IndiaH. LalthanzaraSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 30-1 Bolshoy Boulevard, Moscow, 121205, RussiaIurii M. LebedevSAS, INRAE, Institut Agro, 35042, Rennes, FranceEdith Le CadreTropical Plant and Soil Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, 3190 Maile Way, St. John 102, Honolulu, USANoa K. LincolnEcologia Aplicada, Instituto de Zoologia y Ecologia Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Los Chaguaramos, Ciudad Universitaria, Caracas, VenezuelaDanilo López-HernándezDepartment of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, 008C, Ag Hall, Stillwater, USAScott R. Loss & Shishir PaudelUPR Systèmes de Pérennes, CIRAD, Univ Montpellier, TA B-34/02 Avenue Agropolis, Montpellier, FranceRaphael MarichalDepartment of Forest Ecology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Prague, Czech RepublicRadim MatulaTochigi Prefectural Museum, 2-2 Mutsumi-cho, Utsunomiya, JapanYukio MinamiyaThuenen-Institute of Biodiversity, Bundesallee 65, Braunschweig, GermanyJan Hendrik MoosThuenen-Institute of Organic Farming, Trenthorst 32, Westerau, GermanyJan Hendrik MoosPlant Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, INDEHESA, University of Extremadura, Plasencia, SpainGerardo MorenoConservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Rancho, poligono 2 A, Cd. Industrial de Lerma, Campeche, MexicoAlejandro Morón-RíosDepartment of Environmental Systems Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Doshisha University, Kyoto, 602-8580, JapanHasegawa MotohiroDepartment of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Division of Forest, Nature and Landscape, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200E Box, 2411, Leuven, BelgiumBart MuysResearch Institute for Nature and Forest, Gaverstraat 35, 9500, Geraardsbergen, BelgiumJohan NeirynckSchool of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Länggasse 85, Zollikofen, SwitzerlandLindsey NorgroveSoil Ecosystems, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Tietotie 4, Jokioinen, FinlandVisa NuutinenNatural Area Consultants, 1 West Hill School Road, Richford, NY, USAVictoria NuzzoDepartment of Zoology, PSMO College, Tirurangadi, Malappuram, Kerala, India, Malappuram, IndiaP. Mujeeb RahmanCSIRO Ocean and Atmosphere, CSIRO, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights, NSW, AustraliaJohan PansuUMR7144 Adaptation et Diversité en Milieu Marin, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CNRS/Sorbonne Université, Place Georges Teissier, Roscoff, FranceJohan PansuPhipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USAShishir PaudelUMR SAS, INRAE, Institut Agro Agrocampus Ouest, 35000, Rennes, FranceGuénola PérèsForest Ecology and Restoration Group, Department of Life Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá De Henares, SpainLorenzo Pérez-Camacho & Salvador RebolloAdaptations du Vivant, CNRS UMR 7179, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, 4 Avenue du Petit Château, Brunoy, FranceJean-François PongeDepartment of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Ramann-Str. 2, 85354, Freising, GermanyJörg PrietzelTembotov Institute of Ecology of Mountain Territories, Russian Academy of Sciences, I. Armand, 37a, Nalchik, RussiaIrina B. RapoportCenter of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, P.O Box 80216, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi ArabiaMuhammad Imtiaz RashidGlobal Change Ecology and Evolution Research Group (GloCEE), Department of Life Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28805, Alcalá De Henares, SpainMiguel Á. RodríguezDepartment of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, 1530, Cleveland Ave. N, St. Paul, USAAlexander M. RothFriends of the Mississippi River, 101 E 5th St. Suite 2000, St Paul, USAAlexander M. RothBiology, Biodiversity and Conservation Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Maranhão, Avenida dos Portugueses 1966, São Luis, BrazilGuillaume X. RousseauInstitute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, Kraków, PolandAnna RozenCollege of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI, 54481, USABryant ScharenbrochThe Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL, 60532, USABryant ScharenbrochDepartment Engineering for Crop Production, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Max-Eyth-Allee 100, Potsdam, GermanyMichael SchirrmannSchool of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Agriculture and Food Science Centre, Dublin, IrelandOlaf SchmidtUCD Earth Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, IrelandOlaf SchmidtLandscape Ecology and Environmental Systems Analysis, Institute of Geoecology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, Braunschweig, GermanyBoris SchröderDepartment of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 25, Innsbruck, AustriaJulia SeeberInstitute for Alpine Environment, Eurac Research, Viale Druso 1, Bozen/Bolzano, ItalyJulia Seeber & Michael SteinwandterLaboratory of Ecosystem Modelling, Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institutskaya str., 2, Pushchino, RussiaMaxim P. ShashkovLaboratory of Computational Ecology, Institute of Mathematical Problems of Biology RAS – the Branch of Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vitkevicha str., 1, Pushchino, RussiaMaxim P. ShashkovDepartment of Zoology, Khalsa College Amritsar, Amritsar, Punjab, IndiaJaswinder SinghDepartment of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, USAKatalin SzlaveczDepartment of animal biology, edaphology and geology, Faculty of Sciences (Biology), University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Santa Cruz De Tenerife, SpainJosé Antonio TalaveraForest Science, Kochi University, Monobe Otsu 200, Nankoku, JapanJiro TsukamotoJuárez Autonomous University of Tabasco, Nanotechnology Engineering, Multidisciplinary Academic Division of Jalpa de Méndez, Carr. Estatal libre Villahermosa-Comalcalco, Km 27 S/N, C.P. 86205 Jalpa de Méndez, Tabasco, MexicoSheila Uribe-LópezUnit Food & Agriculture, WWF-Netherlands, Driebergseweg 10, Zeist, The NetherlandsAnne W. de ValençaDpto. Ciencias, IS-FOOD, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Edificio Olivos – Campus Arrosadia, Pamplona, SpainIñigo VirtoDepartment of Soil, Water and Climate, University of Minnesota, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St Paul, USAAdrian A. WackettEarth Innovation Institute, 98 Battery Street Suite 250, San Francisco, USAMatthew W. WarrenUniversity of California Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, USAEmily R. WebsterNatural Resources & Environmental Management, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1910 East West Rd, Honolulu, USANathaniel H. WehrNatural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, CanadaJoann K. WhalenThe Nature Conservancy, 4245 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, USAMichael B. WironenAnimal Ecology, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, Giessen, GermanyVolkmar WoltersInstitute of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, ChinaPengfei WuLaboratory of terrestrial ecosystems, Federal Research Centre “Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Institute of North Industrial Ecology Problems (INEP KSC RAS), Akademgorodok, 14a, Apatity, Murmansk, Province, RussiaIrina V. ZenkovaKey Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for the Middle and Lower Yellow River Regions (Henan University), Ministry of Education, College of Environment and Planning, Henan University, Kaifeng, ChinaWeixin ZhangFaculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Post Office Box 65, FI 00014, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FinlandErin K. CameronThe sWorm workshops were organised by N.E., E.K.C. and H.R.P.P., with funding acquired by N.E., E.K.C. and M.P.T. Data collation and formatting was led by H.R.P.P., with assistance from J.K., M.J.I.B., G.B., K.B.G. and B.S. Harmonisation of earthworm species names was completed by G.B., M.J.I.B., M.L.C.B. and P.L. Advice and feedback on data collation protocols was provided by E.M.B., M.J.I.B., G.B., O.F., C.A.G., B.K.R., A.O., D.R., and D.H.W. Writing of the manuscript was led by H.R.P.P. All authors provided input and comments on the manuscript. The majority of authors provided data to the database. More