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. 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.
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!
|
