Gardeners try in various ways to improve the properties and structure of the earth. The application of organic fertilizers is one of the most effective methods, but if there are enough worms in the soil. Earthworms live where there is moisture and dead organics. But there are several conditions that are necessary for their reproduction and active life.
Favorable living conditions:
- Earthworms need soil moisture of 70-75%. If the level drops to 30%, then growth and development are inhibited, and at a moisture content of 22%, the worms die out within 7 days.
- On acidic soils, where pH is higher than 9, or on dry soils with pH lower than 5, worms do not breed well. Optimal for them is a neutral medium with pH = 7.
- Organic fertilizer is necessary. Processing manure, compost and humus, earthworms reproduce very quickly, laying a cocoon every week, from which 3 to 21 young individuals emerge.
What are earthworms in the soil for?
Earthworms (or saprophages) inhabit all soil levels. They feed on all kinds of rotting residues, bacteria, nematodes, spores of fungi, algae, poorly decomposed manure and compost. As a result, all of these substances are converted by worms into coprolites. These are heaps that are a unique fertilizer for cultivated plants. It contains phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium in an accessible form, which are not released immediately, but as the plant develops.
In addition, earthworms break through an infinite number of moves and channels. Through channels, air penetrates deep into the soil, accelerating chemical processes. Air and moisture permeability increases, and water and air are the main components of all life processes.
Especially important is the role of earthworms in creating valuable fertilizer based on biohumus. Absorbing and digesting organics, saprophages rid the earth of a huge number of pathogens, destroy the unpleasant odor of a biodegradable biological mass. The soil becomes clean, crumbly and acquires a pleasant earthy smell. At the same time, it is enriched with enzymes, valuable amino acids, vitamins, and humus.
How to increase soil productivity?
Checking land productivity is easy. It is enough to dig a small lump and see if there are many worms there. If large reddish worms are found in large numbers, then the crop will be worthy. If there are few or no worms at all, then you need to restore soil fertility. To do this, arrange wet composts in shaded places. They are fenced with walls, mowed grass is covered, weeds are weathered, humus is watered with warm water and earthworms are launched (about 1 bucket). They need weekly watering and the addition of an edible layer. During the summer period, the number of earth inhabitants will increase 10-20 times. At the end of summer, compost is taken apart and brought along with the worms to the site. At the same time, there should be enough food in the ground. Previously, you can make a diluted bird droppings, humus, compost from the leaves with a mixture of black soil. Adults hibernate, and next year breeding and the introduction of worms will give their results.