Gardeners are trying in many ways to improve the properties and structure of the land. The application of organic fertilizers is one of the most effective methods, but in the presence of a sufficient number of worms in the soil. Earthworms live where there is moisture and dead organic matter. 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 with a humidity of 22%, the worms die out within 7 days.
- On acidic soils with a pH above 9, or on dry soils with a pH below 5, worms do not reproduce well. Optimal for them is a neutral environment with pH=7.
- Organic fertilizer is essential. Processing manure, compost and humus, earthworms multiply very quickly, laying a cocoon every week, from which 3 to 21 young individuals emerge.
Why do we need rainworms in the soil?
Earthworms (or saprophages) inhabit all levels of the soil. They feed on all kinds of rotting residues, bacteria, nematodes, fungal spores, algae, poorly decomposed manure and compost. As a result, all of the listed 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.
Besides, earthworms break through an infinite number of passages and channels. Through the 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.
The role of earthworms is especially important for creating valuable fertilizer based on biohumus. Absorbing and digesting organic matter, saprophages rid the earth of a huge number of pathogens, destroy the unpleasant smell of half-decomposed 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 the productivity of the land 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 harvest will be worthy. If there are few or no worms at all,This means that soil fertility needs to be restored. To do this, arrange wet composts in shady places. They enclose with walls, fall asleep mowed grass, weeded weeds, humus, water with warm water and start earthworms (about 1 bucket). They need weekly watering and adding an edible layer. During the summer period, the number of earth dwellers will increase by 10-20 times. At the end of summer, the compost is dismantled and brought to the site along with the worms. At the same time, there should be enough food in the ground. You can first make diluted bird droppings, humus, leaf compost with a mixture of black soil. Adults will overwinter, and next year the breeding and introduction of worms will give their results.
