News Soil
Reaping the benefits of earthworms

Earthworms are the ecosystem engineers of the soil and help to make the soil ecosystem work. Earthworms have been shown to improve soil structure (increasing stability and reducing runoff), mineralize and stabilize organic matter, increase nutrient availability, and even affect plant health by inducing the production of hormone-like substances.

Sebastian Belliard, soil management specialist with Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, breaks down the impact of earthworms on soil and plant nutrients, and how to nurture their populations to realize the benefit. | READ MORE