Earthworms

Jul 2012

This video is about earthworms and a radish cover crop in Indiana.

Oct 1993

This publication provides basic information on earthworm ecology, the effects of earthworms on soil properties and processes, and the influence of soil management practices on earthworms. It concludes with a section on how to encourage the buildup of earthworm populations in agricultural fields, as well as some remaining questions that require further study.

Not Dated

Resource for students on the importance of earthworms.

Nov 2013

Although earthworms are beneficial in gardens and agricultural fields, they are harmful to Michigan’s forests where they are an invasive species.

Jun 2016

Simple steps to determine worm populations in your field

May 2019

Techniques to count earthworms. An assumption is that the more worms you have, the more healthy your soil is. However, while we think worm counts are a good indicator of soil health, that is actually not the case. Worms need to live in damp, loamy, moist soil, so you might have healthy soil that is still not a good habitat for earthworms.

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Earthworms dramatically alter soil structure, water movement, nutrient dynamics, and plant growth. They are not essential to all healthy soil systems, but their presence is usually an indicator of a healthy system.

Sep 2011

Earthworms play a key role in modifying the physical structure of soils by producing new aggregates and pores, which improves soil tilth, aeration, infiltration, and drainage. Earthworms produce binding agents responsible for the formation of water-stable macro-aggregates. They improve soil porosity by burrowing and mixing soil. As they feed, earthworms participate in plant residue decomposition, nutrient cycling, and redistribution of nutrients in the soil profile. Their casts, as well as dead or decaying earthworms, are a source of nutrients.

Feb 2015

Fact sheet. Soil biological indicators provide insight into the living component of the soil. Similar to physical and chemical indicators, biological indicators have a relationship to soil functions and can evaluate soil functions to assess
soil quality.

Apr 2009

Fact sheet. Earthworms are native to non-glaciated areas of North America, but non-native species from Europe and Asia also exist here. Earthworms are classified into three groups based on their habitat.

Jul 2014

Dr. Eileen Kladivko, Purdue University discusses the effect night crawlers have on aiding water flow into and through soils.

May 2016

Sep 2012

Larger organisms such as earthworms create burrows in the soil, enhancing water infiltration and soil aeration, redistributing organic materials and nutrients throughout the topsoil and providing pathways for root penetration.

Sep 2013

The burrowing and feeding activity of earthworms have numerous beneficial effects on overall soil quality for crop production.

Not Dated

Earthworms, called the “intestines of the earth” by Aristotle, are very important soil organisms that aid in the decomposition of plant litter, such as the thatch layer, and in recycling of nutrients.

2008

Jun 2001

For earthworms to be abundant, a field must meet several conditions that are also associated with soil quality and agricultural sustainability: moderate pH, surface residue for food and protection, and soil that is not waterlogged, compacted, droughty, or excessively sandy.