The Magic of Earthworms and How They Help Our Soil

Earthworms work underground, helping plants grow. They keep the soil healthy and support in making the earth a better place for all living things.

Sustainability is an exciting topic and is crucial to instill a sense of responsibility and consciousness about sustainability in young minds these days. Are you curious to know why earthworms are called magicians of nature? Let’s find out!

Earthworms

Earthworms are soft-bodied creatures that live in the soil. They don’t have eyes, but they can sense light and vibrations. They move by stretching and squeezing their bodies, making little tunnels underground. But what makes them so special?

How Do Earthworms Improve the Soil?

Earthworms are like tiny farmers. They are always working hard to keep the soil rich and healthy. Here’s how they do it:

1. They Make the Soil Rich in Nutrients

Earthworms love to eat dead leaves, tiny roots, and even soil. When they digest this food, they release a nutrient-rich waste called ‘worm castings.’ These castings are full of important minerals that help plants grow faster and healthier. It’s like a superfood for plants.

Did you know? Worm castings have four times more phosphorus than regular soil. Therefore, plants can get the nutrients to grow bigger and tastier fruits and veggies.

2. They Help Water Flow Better

Have you ever seen a puddle that takes a long time to disappear after it rains? The same thing happens when the soil cannot absorb water properly. But earthworms help with this problem. As they dig tunnels, they create tiny pathways for water to flow through the soil. This helps plants get the water they need without the ground and the soil getting too soggy.

Did you know? Soil with earthworms can drain up to ten times faster than soil without them.

3. They Keep Soil Soft and Airy

Just like we need fresh air to breathe, plant roots also need air to grow strong. Earthworms loosen the soil as they move. Hence, making it easier for roots to stretch deep underground. Their tunnels also allow oxygen to enter the soil, which is great for plant health.

The Superpower of Earthworm Tunnels

Earthworm tunnels do more than simply help plants. They also make the soil structure better by holding tiny soil particles together. These tunnels create a perfect home for helpful bacteria and tiny insects that keep the soil healthy. Thus, allowing the plants and trees to grow beautifully.

Did you know? In just one year, earthworms can bring up enough fresh soil to create a new layer that is 5 millimeters thick.

Relationship of Farmers with Earthworms

Farmers love earthworms because they naturally improve the land. In places where farmers introduce more earthworms, the crops grow faster, and more food is produced. One study in New Zealand showed that adding earthworms to pastures increased plant growth by 70-80% in the beginning and 25% in the long term. That means more grass for animals and more food for people. Aren’t earthworms super cool?

How can we help earthworms?

Earthworms do so much for us, so we should take care of them too, right? Here’s how you can help earthworms thrive in your garden or farm:

1. Keep the Soil Healthy

Earthworms don’t like soil that is too dry, too wet, or too hard. They prefer soft, moist soil with plenty of food to eat. You can help them by adding compost, fallen leaves, and small plant pieces to the soil.

2. Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Some fertilizers and pesticides can harm earthworms. Instead of using harsh chemicals, use natural fertilizers like neem, compost or manure. This will keep earthworms safe while still helping plants grow.

3. Don’t Over-Till the Soil

Too much digging or ploughing can disturb earthworm tunnels. If possible, try to use less heavy equipment on the soil. Keeping soil undisturbed helps worms do their job better.

4. Provide Shade and Moisture

Worms need moisture to survive. If the soil gets too dry, they burrow deeper to find water. You can keep the moisture in by covering the soil with mulch, grass clippings, or compost.

Can You Add More Earthworms to Your Soil?

If your garden or farm has very few earthworms, you can encourage them to return by improving the soil quality. Some people even transplant earthworm-rich soil from other areas to introduce more worms.

But remember, not all worms are the same. Compost worms that live in food scraps may not survive in garden soil. Always introduce earthworms that are suitable for the soil.

Stay tuned to our blog section to read and know more about marvels of nature and don’t miss out to play our interesting quiz game where you can plan and win a chance to meet your favourite cricketers!