06/08/2022
Confession time…
I am terrified of earth worms, cockroaches, and frogs… I am just now tolerating lizards.. AND I use tolerating lightly..
But anywho back to the topic at hand.
Everything is a teachable moment and even though I fear them, they serve a purpose in our soil. So I did some research, with the help of www.nrcs.USDA.gov and this is what I came up with.. I hope it’s helpful yet informative..
Earthworms.. 🪱
Earthworms are important to your garden/ plants because they help increase soil health. They do this by increasing soil aeration, infiltration, structure, nutrient cycling, water movement, and plant growth. Having an abundance of earthworms is a good indicator of soil health.
They are one of the major decomposers of organic matter in our soil. They get their nutrition from microorganisms that live on organic matter and in soil material. When they move through the soil eating, earthworms form tubular channels or burrows. These burrows can persist for a long time in the soil. Earthworm burrows increase soil porosity which increases the amount of air and water that get into the soil. Increased porosity also lowers bulk density and increases root development.
Now this is where some will say, “Ma’am you got rid of something that people buy to fertilize their plants.” Yes you can side eye me..
Earth Worm/Worm Castings..
Earthworm excrement or casts increase soil fertility because it contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Their casts contain microorganismos which increase in abundance as organic matter is digested in their intestines. The cycling of nutrients from organic matter and the increase in microorganisms facilitates plant growth. Earthworm casts along with binding agents released by earthworms also improve soil structure and increase aggregate stability.
Did you know moment:
There are three different species of earthworms which live in different locations in the soil and have different feeding and burrowing habits.
Epigeic species
Live in the surface of the soil, are typically small, feed on decomposed plant material, and are adapted to the moisture and temperature changes that occur in the soil surface.
Endogeic species
Live in the upper part of the soil and feed on organic matter and soil material. They form temporary burrows which are filled with worm casts as they move through the soil.
Anecic species
Are deep burrowing and form permanent burrows that can extend several feet into the soil. They mainly feed on surface residue that they pull back into the burrow. They plug the opening of the burrow with organic matter or worm casts.
I don’t know which one I had, but all I know wormy scared me.. I hope this was informative and gave you a little insight on the importance of earth worms…
Stay Safe and continue to Grow Sumting!
Marsky Plants..
