The secret role of worms in the health of your garden
Worms are one of the most important players in the maintenance of soil life and sustainable garden management. Although we often don't see them, these tiny soil-dwellers play a key role in maintaining soil health and optimal plant development. Let's find out what processes they control and why they are essential in our gardens!
Masters of soil aeration and water balance
The worms create tunnels in the soil, which significantly improve its structural stability.
These passages not only ensure the free flow of air, but also:
- help to stormwaterinfiltration,
- preventing the stagnant waterthe development of.
This is of particular importance for soils susceptible to compaction, for example in the case of clay soils.
Humus formation: the power of worm compost
Worms process organic matter that comes to the surface of the soil, such as avar, plant residues and compost. The material passes through their digestive system and is rich, transforms into nutrient-rich humus. This so-called worm compost (or vermicompost) is an excellent structural repair material that:
- It has a high concentration of macroelementssuch as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
- It improves the chemical and biological activity of the soil, facilitating the release of nutrients readily available to plants.
To further promote humus formation, it is worth using products such as Blackjak. This high quality humic acid formulation not only increases soil organic matter but also improves the nutrient-holding capacity of the soil, helping to create an optimal environment for worms. By using Blackjak, you can achieve fertile, healthy soil more quickly and efficiently.
Stabilising the soil structure
The excrement produced by worms - also known as worm granules - acts as a natural cementing agent that helps to form soil aggregates. This makes the soil looser and more porous, creating favourable conditions for root development and water retention.
Composting and organic matter decomposition
Worms play an important role in the decomposition of organic waste in the garden, naturally accelerating the composting process. In a well-functioning compost system worms not only accelerate the degradation of the material, but also improve its nutrient composition.
How can we support the work of worms?
- Avoid soil disturbance: Excessive digging and turning can destroy the burrows made by the worms.
- Providing organic material: By mulching, using compost and organic fertiliser, we can provide them with adequate nutrition.
- Chemical-free farming: Fertilisers and insecticides can have a harmful effect on soil-dwelling organisms, so avoiding them is essential.
- Provide a shaded, humid environment: Creating habitat favourable to worms, for example with ground cover plants, helps maintain their population.
Product recommendation
Danuba 10 M cover crop mix
VIDEO: Danuba 10 M cover crop mix is an excellent choice because its fast-growing, lush vegetation not only protects the soil from erosion, but also also creates an ideal microclimate for soil-dwelling organisms such as for worms.
Besides the mixture its plants enrich the soil with organic matter, further aiding the formation of humus. This not only improves the living conditions for the worms, but also maintains the overall soil quality of the garden.
Why are worms essential?
The presence of worms in the garden is not only a sign of the fertility of the soil, but also of biological activity is also a key indicator of. They work to improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil and to balance the processes that take place in it. Supporting worms is therefore the basis for long-term sustainable, chemical-free garden management.
