Neonicotinoid seed treatments and effects on earthworms in conventional maize systems

Neonicotinoid seed treatments are common to the majority of corn planted in the United States. Despite increasing incidence of non-target effects in aboveground systems, little is known about the effects of these seed treatments on belowground systems.  In a field experiment, we examined the effects of clothainidin seed treatments on earthworm diversity and abundance. Earthworms were collected using "hot mustard extraction"The concentration of clothianidin and its metabolites in earthworm tissue and field soil was determined. Results are presented in  the context of corn agroecology.