What Effects Do Earthworms Have on Soil Nutrients?

What Effects Do Earthworms Have On Soil Nutrients?

General Background

Earthworms

The animal that most of us know as an earthworm is scientifically known as Lumbricus terrestris. Earthworms live underground in soil that needs to be moist. They prefer moderate temperatures that are not too hot or too cold. Earthworms have a complete digestive tract. This means they have a mouth opening at one end, and an opening called an anus at the other end. They get the energy they need from eating “dirt” which contains organic matter from dead plant and animal material. Earthworms literally eat their way through the ground. They ingest the soil in front of their mouth, extract nutrients from it as it moves through their digestive tract, and discharge the waste through the anus. As they eat and move forward, they leave behind tunnels lined with their waste. Waste materials left behind by earthworms are referred to as “castings.” Castings are believed to be good for plant growth and so are the tunnels. With this knowledge, I believe that earthworms can be used to help potted plants grow better.

Soil

Soil is the material that makes up most of the earth’s outermost solid layer. It is formed from rocks and decaying plants and animals. Generally, when an average sample of soil is analyzed, it is found to be composed of approximately 45 percent minerals, 25 percent water, 25 percent air, and five percent organic matter. The size of the mineral particles gives soil its texture. The larger the particles, the more the soil will be like sand. The smaller the particles, the more the soil will be like clay. Most plants need soil to grow. The most productive soil on earth for growing plants is near the surface. It is nutrient rich with a variety of minerals, organic matter, air, and water. It is often referred to as ‘top soil.” Natural processes, such as weathering and erosion, and the actions of living things such as tree roots, earthworms, and other...