THE INFLUENCE OF SOIL DEPTH AND MECHANICAL COMPOSITION ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF EARTHWORM (LUMBRICIDAE) SPECIES IN THE AGROCENOSES OF THE MIRRAZACHOL REGION

The main objective of the study is to study the direct influence of soil depth and mechanical composition on the distribution and
quantitative distribution of epigeal earthworms of the Lumbricidae family in the conditions of the Mirzachol agrocenoses. The
main part of the 13 studied species is concentrated at a depth of 0–20 cm of the soil, especially in the surface layer of 0–10 cm,
which is explained by their nutritional characteristics and need for organic matter. The distribution of earthworms by depth in the
Mirzachol agrocenoses is mainly determined by factors such as the location of the food source, fluctuations in soil temperature and
moisture regime. The 0–10 cm layer is a zone of active feeding and reproduction; the 10–20 cm layer is a buffer zone protected
from unfavorable thermal and water regimes; the 20 cm and lower layers serve only as a temporary refuge or diapause zone in
extreme conditions, such as extreme heat or drought. The obtained scientific results are of important scientific and practical
importance in preserving biological diversity, increasing soil fertility, and monitoring the state of mesofauna in the agrocenoses of
the Mirzachul oasis.