Earthworms are important soil organisms: their burrowing and feeding activities allow water to percolate through soil; they breakdown organic matter, releasing nutrients for plants and other soil organisms like bacteria and beneficial soil fungi, but also stabilising the residual organic matter. Earthworms form characteristic soil casts – these small mounds of earthworm-processed soil form little hotspots of activity on the soil surface and support a myriad of other soil organisms. The contribution of these humble organisms to ecosystems is considerable, and low numbers in arable soils are a concern. What are the knock-on effects on other soil organisms; the release of nutrients for crop growth; for water retention and possible flood control?However, all is not lost. Earthworms can make a come-back, and in a relatively short period of time!
The full article can be found at https://www.agricology.co.uk/field/blog/return-natives-grass-clover-leys-boost-earthworm-recoveries
