Exploring Earthworms and Soil Compaction

Walking to my car this morning, I was forced to step over “drowned earthworms” scattered on the sidewalk and driveway, following the night’s heavy rain. I would expect an even higher number of dead earthworms from soils that do not have very good water drainage. My thought was that the rainwater fills up the available pore spaces and could drown the worms. Since earthworms breathe through their skin and need moisture to do that, would too much water be a problem? Would it force them to “come up for air?

April Showers bring May Flowers…. and Roaming Earthworms
According to some scientists, the biggest reason that earthworms come to the surface during heavy rain is not to avoid drowning but instead to travel farther during “worm migration” On the other hand, when soils get very dry (drought-like), earthworms are known to travel deeper into the soil where more moisture exists, reducing their migration efforts.

Compaction has a negative effect on Earthworm populations
Soil compaction is one of the biggest reasons that soils do not have good drainage and low microbial activity. Other reasons are high clay content and low soil organic matter (SOM). When soils are compacted, the abundance of earthworms is decreased, the amount of macropores is lessened (less air), and water infiltration is reduced. Keeping earthworm populations high is important for maintaining healthy soils. The digestive system activity of earthworms increases SOM, their burrowing aerates the soil, and their castings (poop!) help retain soil moisture.

With the addition of VITAL Blend biochar soil amendments, the soil’s quality is improved, and earthworm populations will thrive in soils that are not compacted and have available organic matter to munch on. VITAL Blend is good at reducing soil compaction, increasing soil’s water holding capacity, and promoting the growth of soil microbes that convert decaying matter into organic matter.

Try our blend of activated BioChar and freshwater-sourced Humate to organically revitalize the soil and invite more earthworms, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, nematodes and arthropods to dwell in your soil.

4 Interesting Facts about Earthworms

Earthworms migrate horizontally to find better food sources, avoid predation and discover superior soil conditions. They move vertically (upward) toward moisture and oxygen and (downward) to avoid cold winter temperatures.
Worms have tiny hairs on each segment. They are tiny bristles, known as setae. The setae help it move through soil and allows it to grip soil particles. The setae are very strong and are the same material as our fingernails.
Earthworms are Hermaphroditic, which means they have both male and female sexual organs.
The longest earthworm in the world is found in South Africa and can be over 20 feet long. (from 15 Amazing Facts)

Charles Darwin was fascinated with earthworms and studied them for 38 years. His last book, in 1881, was about the importance of earthworms. In his last book his observation was:

“It may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world as these lowly organized creatures.” Charles Darwin

More soil biology, including earthworms, microorganisms, and macro fauna, means healthier soils, which leads to improved plant growth because “the Beauty Above comes from the Science Below.” Please call or email us for more information regarding VITAL Blend soil amendments today.