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Some people believe that earthworms are
harmful. Totally untrue!
Earthworms pull partly-decomposed organic material down into the soil for a good
feast. The organic matter is then broken down further in the earthworm, before
being excreted as 'worm casts'. These are easily converted into nutrients by the
soil's micro-organisms. The nutrients are readily taken up by developing plants.
Worm casts in the garden, have a nutrient level and organic
matter level much higher than that of the surrounding soil. Each day worms
produce nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium carbonate and many micro nutrients in a form that
all plants can use. Facts
A small 400 sq ft garden with a
low worm population of only 5 worms/cubic foot will be provided with over 600 lbs
(about 1/3 lb per worm) of top-grade fertilizer by the worms, each year.
They can also help to bring an
acid soil back to a more neutral ph over time. Their casts contain calcium
carbonate.
Lawns -
A right pain in the grass
Worms can be a bit of a pain in
nicely manicured lawns when they leave their worm casts all over the place -
normally in the autumn. Even so, I would not advocate any chemical control for
worms in the grass areas!.
Boxing clippings from the lawn will go some way to lessen the problem - the
worms thrive upon them. However, even the best tended lawns have an adequate
supply of dead and rotten grass just below the green sward for worms to feed
upon. They seem to prefer alkaline rather than acid soils (on lawns at any
rate), so long term applications of high nitrogen fertilizers will help.
The best way to get rid of worm cast, is by brushing them off - when they
are dry. A wire rake is good for this - better than a brush. Or if you have a
large lawn, a 'drag-mat' made from wire mesh is a good idea.
The earthworms that throw casts in the lawn, are not
beneficial insofar as drainage and aeration are concerned.
Feeding Habits
Organic matter eaten by earthworms consists of
rotting plant material and animal parts. They also eat soil harmful
micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. Earthworms will feed on
roots or other parts of plants that have been decayed by other organisms; but they
do not feed on healthy plants.
Habitat
Earthworms are generally found in the top 10 0r
so few centimetres of the soil. They breath through their skin and therefore
need a moist environment, so if the soil dries excessively, they will burrow
deeper. (Up to 2 metres) They are basically nocturnal - coming to the
surface at night when temperatures are lower and humidity higher.
Sandy and acidic soils are their least favourite habitats.
In addition to recycling organic matter, worms
are great for improving soil structure - as I found out! Their borrowing action
helps to improve aeration, moisture retention, and water penetration.
So, if you want more earthworms - apply regular
dressings of organic matter to the top surface of your garden. The worms will do the digging
for you!
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