October 21 is World Worm Day. terreterreAnd now it’s time to pay tribute to these cute little creatures who do incredible things under our feet.
If more than 7000 SpeciesSpecies of the subordinate Lumbricina Worldwide, France has about a hundred. And yet earthworms are abundant in our soil. Thus we can find up to three tons of sludge per hectare depending on the type of soil. We’re obviously talking about live, untreated soil here.
An essential species for soil health
It’s no coincidence that mud captured the attention of one of history’s greatest scientists: Charles DarwinCharles Darwin. Fascinated by these tiny creatures, he devoted several years of research to them, publishing a work in 1881 entitled Formation of Top soilTop soil By sludge process. He showed how, thanks to him MovementsMovements And them DigestionDigestion Of The matterThe matter Organic, they contribute to soil fertility.
Discreet yet highly effective, they are very important indeed. By digging underground galleries, they aerate the soil, water and NutrientsNutrients to move better.
An earthworm is a bit like a mini factory RecyclingRecycling Natural They eat decomposing organic matter like dead leaves and turn it into castings, small piles of nutrient-rich excrement, gold for plants.
By improving soil structure, they also help in storage. CarbonCarbonAn important asset for slowing down Climate changeClimate change.
…but there is a threat from intensive agriculture.
Its presence is a sign of balanced, healthy soil. But, unfortunately, the use of mud carries serious risks. PesticidesPesticides AndAgricultureAgriculture Populations of severe species have been declining for decades.