Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 8, 1992 TAG: 9203050274
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: PATRICIA HELD
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
While earthworms may not be the most popular spring harbingers, they play a very important role in the quality of our environment.
Earthworms are the soil makers of the animal world and produce tons of tillable soil annually. Charles Darwin recognized their importance and wrote a paper on their benefits. According to Darwin: "It may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world as these lowly organized creatures."
Like miniature rototillers, earthworms work the soil. They burrow down 12 to 18 inches and bring subsoil to the surface. It is estimated that about 18 tons of soil is carried to the surface on each acre of healthy soil per year.
Organic matter is processed as the earthworm eats. Instead of sorting out their food, they swallow everything in sight and grind it up in their gizzard. Organic matter is then separated from the soil, and what remains is deposited on the surface around their burrows in the form of castings. Rich in minerals, these castings are readily usable to plants.
Earthworms are nocturnal. During the daytime they retreat into their burrows. Their bodies must be kept moist, and they try to avoid the drying sunlight as much as possible. They often position themselves so only the front portions of their bodies extend out of their burrows while the rest remain safely inside.
In the winter and during the hot and dry summer months, earthworms remain inactive and stay deep in their burrows. Only during spring and autumn do they come close to the earth's surface. Spring rains combined with the thaw often force earthworms out of their homes. Although they manage to escape drowning, many do not survive above ground and fall prey to predators, cars and the drying sun.
Besides producing soil, earthworms offer other benefits. Their burrowing permits aeration of the soil and better drainage. It also assists in root system development and speeds up the decaying process of dead plants and animals. And earthworms are the favorite bait of fishermen.
There are several ways to encourage earthworms to an area. Start a compost heap in the back yard. A manure pile is an excellent place to find earthworms as well. Or why not try earthworm farming?
It is simple to set up an earthworm farm. A large wooden box or metal tub and just the right mix of soil and some earthworms are all it takes to start a farm.
First a drain hole should be made in the bottom of the container, and then it should be covered with wire screening.
In order to breed, earthworms require a particular mix of soil. Prepare a mixture of one-third well-rotted manure, one-third topsoil and one-third peat moss. Place a layer of leaves or hay on the bottom of the container, then add the compost mixture. Mix about one pound of cornmeal into the compost. The container should be filled to about four inches below the top and then covered with a burlap bag. Water the mixture with only enough water that the compost will absorb.
The last step is to add the earthworms. Purchase or collect about 200 worms and place them in the tub. Feed the worms coffee grounds, chicken mash, vegetable matter or any combination of these. When feeding, mix the food into the compost. Feed at one-week intervals; after feeding, replace the burlap bag and sprinkle it with water. The farm should be kept in a cool and shady place such as under the porch or in the cellar.
Worm eggs should begin to appear in about two weeks and will mature in three months. They are then ready for harvest.
Patricia Held will respond to readers' questions on the plant and animal wildlife in the region. Mail inquiries to: Patricia Held, P.O. Box 64, Goode, Va. 24556.
Patricia Held is the former director of the Nature Center Museum in Middletown, N.J. She lives in Bedford County.
by CNB