Earthworm functions | Earthworm Society of Britain (2024)

FAQs

What are the functions of the earthworms? ›

By their activity in the soil, earthworms offer many benefits: increased nutrient availability, better drainage, and a more stable soil structure, all of which help improve farm productivity. Worms feed on plant debris (dead roots, leaves, grasses, manure) and soil.

The ERG has worked extensively with earthworm species from Britain and from numerous locations in northern temperate regions. Research has concentrated on the practical application of earthworms in areas such as soil restoration, organic waste management, bio-monitoring and eco-toxicology.

Earthworms can play a variety of important roles in ecosystems. Their feeding and burrowing activities incorporate organic residues and amendments into the soil, enhancing decomposition, humus formation, nutrient cycling, and soil structural development (Mackay and Kladivko, 1985; Kladivko et al., 1986).

Earthworm tunnels bring in oxygen, drain water and create space for plant roots. Their natural feeding habits mean that small amounts of soil pass through their bodies and, surprisingly, when they excrete it, it is in better condition—what goes in comes out much better!

The absence of worms would be detrimental to life in earth. Animals and humans feed and live off plants as food. Even carnivores have to consume plant eating animals to absorb nutrients that come from plants that are dependent upon earthworms in the soil.

In fact, highest local earthworm diversity was found in Europe, northeastern USA and New Zealand. Similar patterns were found for earthworm abundance (number of individuals per area) and earthworm biomass (mass per area) – also showing highest values in temperate regions.

Apparently they are consumed in some regions of China and the Philippines. They are considered a delicacy by the Maori of New Zealand. They are full of protein, iron and other nutriments. Some food “ experts” have labelled them as super food.

New earthworms began entering North America as early as the 1600s, with the first European settlers. They crossed over in root balls or the dry ballast of ships. As the British, French, Spanish and Dutch colonized the American continent, they were largely oblivious to another colonization going on under their feet.

Earthworms help establish healthy soils by supporting plant growth in multiple ways — building good soil structure, assisting in water capture and aiding in the beneficial churn of organic matter that makes nutrients more available to plants.

Earthworms can also cause problems in the garden. Their burrowing can damage plant roots and make it difficult for plants to grow. This can cause harm to the plant's ability to take up water and nutrients from the soil and can ultimately lead to plant death. Hungry earthworms can stunt new plant growth.

What are 4 things earthworms can sense? ›

The earthworm has no eyes, yet they can tell light from dark. They have no ears, yet can sense the vibrations of sound. They have no nose, yet can smell and taste which foods to eat. The earthworm's skin provides a sense of touch.

Earthworms breakdown dead and decaying organic matter into rich humus soil, thereby supporting plant growth. They also dig tiny channels and make holes that aerate soil and improve drainage. Earthworms don't have lungs; they breathe through their skin.

Earthworms possess five pairs of pseudo-hearts, also called aortic arches, running along the length of their body. These pseudo-hearts are muscular vessels that contract and relax in a rhythmic pattern, aiding in the circulation of hemolymph.