Why are worms good for soil?
Quick answer from Eartha
Worms are good for soil because they dig tunnels that let air and water reach plant roots. As they munch through old leaves and dirt, their poo, called worm castings, adds rich food for plants. Wriggly worms are like tiny gardeners working underground every single day!
The longer story
Earthworms spend their days tunnelling through soil, eating tiny bits of dead leaves and old plant material along the way. Their tunnels loosen up the soil so it is not squashed too tight.
Loose soil lets air, water and plant roots move through more easily, which helps plants grow strong and healthy.
As worms eat and digest soil and leaves, they leave behind droppings called worm castings. These castings are packed with nutrients that act like natural plant food.
Gardeners often say that soil full of worms is healthy soil, because worms are a sign that there is plenty of good stuff for plants to use.
Try this at home: Worm spotting
- After rain, gently look in a garden bed or under a rock or log.
- If you find a worm, watch it wriggle for a moment then put it back gently.
- Talk about the tunnels worms might be making underground right now.
Words to know
- soil
- The dirt that plants grow in, made of tiny bits of rock and old plants.
- castings
- The droppings worms leave behind, which are full of goodness for plants.
- nutrients
- The goodness in food and soil that helps living things grow.
For grown-ups: what is my child learning here?
Age band: 5-8
Curriculum link: Australian Curriculum v9 Science, AC9S2U01
The concept: Living things, including small soil creatures, play a role in supporting other living things in an ecosystem.
More classroom ideas are on our teachers page, and safety notes for families are on for parents.
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