Worm Fact

Cancer does not exist in earthworms.

Worm Fact

Earthworms play a key role in the development of soil; they are a cornerstone species of soil organisms. They could be referred to as honey bees of the soil, pollinating the soil with beneficial microorganisms.  They act as a kind of mass transit for other soil organisms, aiding in the colonization of beneficial micro-organisms throughout the soil.

Worm Fact

Earthworms consume large amounts of organic debris and mineral earth, up to 1 ½ times their body weight per day. Then they grind and mix it in their gizzard with little particles of stone. Pulverizing this material creates more surface area on which beneficial soil microbes will feed and thrive. The gut of the earthworm also acts as an incubator for the microbes, some of which are digested and some excreted.

WORM CASTING FACTS

The earthworm adds hormones, enzymes and other body fluids that are highly beneficial to a plants health. All of this is held together by the sticky substances that microbes excrete along with body fluids of the earthworm. It is then excreted in and on the soil in the form of aggregated time release pellet, full of micro-organisms, nutrients, trace elements, hormones, enzymes, growth regulators, and minerals.  Earthworms have an electrical charge on the surface of their skin that helps protect them from toxins in the soil, and have high concentrations of protective enzymes for cell replication. They actually help break down hazardous materials in the soil, reducing pathogens such as E-coli, Salmonella and Helminth ova. Worms also do well with human waste composting toilets, which are used extensively in Australia, campgrounds, and in parks. Studies have shown that worms can make a 30-50% reduction in heavy metals such as lead in contaminated soils. Earthworms can also convert fat soluble compounds to a more water soluble compound which is easier to break down. Other effects earthworms have on the soil are aeration through tunneling, turning and mixing of earth. They help soils to drain better through their tunneling activities, which helps to prevent erosion and helps reduce the amount of water needed to irrigate. Worms help aggregate the soil, breaking up soil into particles that will remain loose. This helps to reduce compaction of the soil. Worms also help maintain the soil food web. Dr. Elaine Ingram goes into great detail on the soil food web and its importance in sustaining all life. Trials here and overseas have shown earthworms have the ability to increase pasture production by
40%, lift wheat yields by 35% and improve grain protein levels. (refer. Worm Digest)

So it is beneficial to encourage your native earthworms to occupy the soil on your farms. One way to accomplish this is to add castings to your soil and disturb the soil as little as possible. Try to avoid tilling and add plenty of organic matter as a food supply.

What can Worm Castings be used for?

Worm Castings can be used as an ingredient of potting soil (as plant nutrients) for plants in and around the house. It can also be used as a planting additive for trees, vegetables, seed germination, shrubs and flowers. When used as mulching material, Worm Castings will ensure that the minerals are absorbed directly into the soil when it is watered. Because Worm Castings will never burn plants, you can use as much of it as you like.

 

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Worm Casting Facts

Earthworm castings (worm manure) are dense and they have a fine crumbly soft texture that feels good to the touch. They are a rich dark color and have a wonderful earthy smell.

Castings resist leaching but still have the ability to retain moisture. They are resistant to packing.

Earthworm castings are alive with beneficial organisms like bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes. Castings contain nutrients like Nitrogen, Potassium, Phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, trace elements, minerals, hormones and growth regulators.

Castings are richer in nutrients than the material the worms consume. Research was done in India where they processed press mud (a by-product from sugar refinement) using composting worms. The
castings showed the following increase in nutrients:
Nitrogen-50%
Phosphorus-35%
Potassium-27%
Calcium-36%
Magnesium-45%
Manganese-52%
Iron-8%

The Carbon/Nitrogen ratio was also narrowed from 25:1 to 14:1 facilitating the availability of Nitrogen to plants (refer. Dr. L.S. Rangananthan)

The Nitrogen, along with other nutrients in castings, is released over time by the soil food web, which is the feeding activity of bacteria, fungi and their predators. Nitrogen from synthetic fertilizers and manure products are washed away into water supplies before the plants can utilize all of it. Nitrogen doesn’t do plants any good if it’s floating down our streams.