With all of the recent rains having flushed worms out onto the surface, I am reminded of their invaluable service to the health and well-being of ecosystems in temperate and tropical soils where they are found.
You can see evidence of their presence in open areas along the paths. Certain types of earthworms expel mud from their burrows leaving bumpy mounds called castings.
As organic matter passes through their bodies, earthworms perform the important task of breaking it down. In addition, they turn over and aerate the soil as they tunnel through it. This increases the soil’s water-holding capacity and provides channels making it easier for roots to penetrate and grow through the ground.
Below, I provided a link to a short article about their benefits to the soil. Check it out.
USDA Website
Natural Resources Conservation Service - Soils
