Earthworms

What do earthworms do?

• Earthworms can be active throughout the year but are quiescent during cold or hot and dry weather. They occur in most soils, but are scarce in soils that are extremely acidic or prone to waterlogging
• Earthworms eat decaying plant material and do not damage growing plants. They are important to soil structure and fertility
• Some earthworms emerge at night to feed on dead plant material on the surface, and will pull fallen leaves and other plant debris into their tunnels
• Some species such as Allolobophora nocturna, A. longa and Lumbricus terrestris live in permanent burrows and it is mainly these species that produce worm casts on the surface

Specialist species and wormeries

Some earthworm species live in accumulations of organic matter, such as compost heaps. One such species is Eisenia fetida (brandling or tiger worm), recognisable by its stripy appearance, another is Dendrobaena veneta. These are the species most commonly used in wormeries, as their feeding activities speed up the composting process.

Problems

Worm casts consist of soil and waste excreted by the worms as they feed on organic matter. Worm casts can be a nuisance on lawns and gravel paths.