What do earthworms eat?
In autumn, we often wonder what causes the ungrossed leaves rolled into tubes to be pulled into the soil and completely disappear in spring. Theseearthwormshide them under the surface. Together with plant remains, they eat and digest numerous microorganisms: algae, protozoa, soil fungi and bacteria.
Caries formation
Earthwormsare involved in the process of caries formation. It is thanks to them that plant debris decomposes several times faster. The digestive tract of these creatures runs along their entire length.The stomach grinds the plant debris mixed with soil particles. In most species, calcareous glands enter the esophagus, liming the contents of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby increasing the alkalinity of the soil.
During the growing seasonearthwormsliving on an area of 1 ha of soil produce 10-100 tons of lumpy manure, the so-called coprolites. It is an excellent fertilizer, containing many elements that plants need.
Earthworms reduce the spread of diseases
In our gardens, the greatest importance is given toearthwormIt feeds on, among others plant remains infested with pathogens and pests. Thus, it limits their spread in the next season. By boring vertical corridors in the ground, it allows air and water access to the plant roots. This is especially important on heavy clay soils.
Let's take care of earthworms
It is in the interest of every land-user to care for these useful creatures.Organic fertilization is an excellent source of their food. That is why it is so important to leave untreated leaves under the trees for the winter and wherever it is impossible to dig the soil due to the roots.Earthwormswill fertilize these hard-to-reach places without the interference of gardening tools. They are harmed by over-fertilization with mineral preparations, especially those that acidify the soil.
Wiesław Sierota
