The wriggly worms we see all over campus after a rainstorm are one of the best things for our environment. Earthworms provide structure for stable soil and increase the nutrients in the soil. This is ideal not only for farmers but also for those who are gardening at home.
Worms eat plants, leaves, and grass, and yes it can be annoying to harvest your fresh veggies and find a wormhole. They use these nutrients to increase the nitrogen content of the soil when they decompose.
Once the earthworm has decomposed it leaves what is called a cast. These casts force soil particles together which stores moisture for longer periods. In addition to this, the tunnels they create allow for surface lime and fertilizers to have better access to the soil.
So to encourage earthworms you first need to determine if your soil is healthy. The easiest way to do this at home is to increase the organic matter. This can be natural fertilizers such as manure, crop stubble, rotations, and of course compost. You also want to be sure you are keeping the soil moist, earthworms are often found on the pathways we use after rainstorms because they enjoy the humidity and water. This being said, worms do not want to be drowned, a good way to keep an eye on how much water your soil has is to pay attention to the topsoil. Once your topsoil has become dry to the touch it’s time to water it again.
You’ll know your soil is healthy when you start seeing the worms. All in all, worms are amazing for the environment.
Author: Renée Woodruff
Georgia College Green Initiative 