February 15th -
“Earthworm Day“
Worms have the unique ability to create soil.
Earthworms are indicators of an active soil life because their presence and actions are visible to the naked eye. Their burrows, dung piles and casts are a clear sign of their activity and, accordingly, the quality of the soil structure.
The earthworm drains the soil and ensures that in waterlogged soils the water can seep downwards. This prevents waterlogging and aerates the soil. Plants in turn use these tunnels for root penetration. Stable clay-humus complexes are formed in the earthworm, which contribute to building a stable soil. A healthy soil, rich in organic matter, is thus characterized by a large presence of earthworms.
The less intensively the soil is moved, the gentler it is for the earthworm. In practice, therefore it is important to find a suitable compromise – “less is sometimes more”. That the earthworm population can grow, it also needs sufficient fresh “food” on the soil surface. A growing vegetation all over the year supports earthworms in their work.
Interesting facts about the earthworm:
- Earthworms have lived on our planet for about 200 million years
- Earthworms can reach a maximum length of 30 cm (2.5 ft)
- 2-4 million earthworms live in one hectare of healthy grassland and arable soil
- Earthworms feed on dead plants. This “food” must be deposited on the surface between 0-5 cm | 0-2”, only there the earthworm can take up their nourishment
- The earthworm is most active in spring and autumn and has “resting phases” in summer, when it is too dray and hot, and in winter, when the ground is frozen
- Earthworms love to eat Fusarium fungi, e.g. found on grain or maize stubbles
Fun Fact: Some earthworms eat up to half of their own weight every day!
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