answersLogoWhite

0

No Worms are beneficial and not disease carriers.

Here is a quote from Charles Darwin

"It may be doubted whether there are any other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world, as have these lowly creatures"

It is probably not much of an exaggeration in his statement that the humble earthworm is one of the most vital living creatures on the planet, for its actions are essential for the creation and vitality of soil, upon which almost all land plants and animals dependent.

Biological: The earthworm is essential to composting; the process of converting dead organic matter into rich humis, vital to the growth of healthy plants, and ensuring the the cycle of fertility. This is achieved by the worm's actions of pulling down below any organic matter deposited on the soil surface (eg, leaf fall, manure, etc) either for food or when it needs to plug its burrows. Once in the burrow, the worm will shred the leaf and partially digest it, then mingle it with the earth by saturating it with intestinal secretions. Worm casts can contain 40% more humus than the top 6" of soil in which the worm is living.

Chemical: As well as dead organic matter, the earthworm also ingests any other soil particles that are small enough (including stones up to one-twentieth of an inch across) into its 'crop' where minute fragments of grit grind everything into a fine paste which is then digested in the stomach. When the worm excretes this in the form of casts which are deposited on the surface or deeper in the soil, a perfectly balanced selection of minerals and plant nutrients is made available. Investigations in the United States show that fresh earthworm casts are Five times richer in available nitrogen. Seven times richer in available phosphates and eleven times richer in potash than the surrounding upper six inches of soil. In conditions where there is plenty of available humus, the weight of casts produced may be greater than 4.5 kg (10lb) per worm per year, in itself an indicator of why it pays the gardener or farmer to keep worm populations high.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What insects eat garden worms?

Insects that feed on garden worms include beetles, centipedes, and ground beetles. These insects help regulate the population of worms in the garden ecosystem. Additionally, birds and other small animals may also prey on garden worms.


What are the potential risks associated with tiny brown worms in your garden or home?

Tiny brown worms in your garden or home can potentially pose risks such as damaging plants, contaminating food, and spreading diseases. It is important to identify and address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.


Why are worms useful in the garden?

They are useful because worms chew your food and turn it into garden fertilizer.


Which diseases do they spread?

Everything can spread diseases. What, 'which' are you concerned about?


How can I effectively use live worms for my garden to improve soil quality and promote healthy plant growth?

To effectively use live worms in your garden, create a worm composting bin with moist bedding and food scraps. Add the worms and let them break down the organic matter into nutrient-rich compost. Spread the compost in your garden to improve soil quality and promote healthy plant growth.


How can I create a thriving garden ecosystem with live garden worms?

To create a thriving garden ecosystem with live garden worms, you can start by adding organic matter like compost to your soil to provide food for the worms. Make sure your garden has good drainage and is not compacted. Avoid using chemical pesticides that can harm the worms. Regularly water your garden to keep the soil moist, as worms need moisture to thrive. By creating a healthy environment for the worms, you can help them improve soil quality and promote plant growth in your garden.


How are most diseases usually spread?

Most diseases are spread by germs.


Diseases caused by worms?

Many diseases can be caused by parasitic worms. Trichinosis and intestinal diseases can be caused by the roundworm. Hookworm and whip worm disease are caused by the Hookworm.


How is composting valuable to a garden?

worms


Are grub worms bad for my garden?

Grub worms can be harmful to your garden because they feed on plant roots, causing damage to your plants. It's important to control their population to protect your garden.


Can you put earthworms directly in garden?

can earth worms be put directly in garden


What diseases do filarial worms cause?

elephantiasis