Month: September 2022

EARTHWORMS AND PLANT GROWTH. "5 possible pathways through which earthworm can positively affect plant growth: (i) biocontrol of pests and diseases; (ii) stimulation of microbial plant symbionts; (iii) production of plant-growth regulating substances; (iv) soil structure changes; and (v) increased nutrient availability." https://lnkd.in/eBujjqy View in LinkedIn

MODERN FARMING KILLS WORMS. "Nitrogenous fertilizers tend to create acidic conditions, which are fatal to the worms, and dead specimens are often found on the surface following the application of substances such as DDT, lime sulphur, and lead arsenate." https://lnkd.in/erzksPW View in LinkedIn

EARTHWORM DESTRUCTION. "In Australia, changes in farming practices such as the application of superphosphates on pastures and a switch from pastoral farming to arable farming had a devastating effect on populations of the giant Gippsland earthworm, leading to their classification as a protected species." https://lnkd.in/erzksPW View in LinkedIn

DECLINING EARTHWORMS. "More than 99% of applied pesticides have the potential to affect non-target organisms and become widely dispersed in the vicinity as potential contaminants. Due to this soil organisms are totally affected." https://lnkd.in/eUfCif8 View in LinkedIn

CHEMICAL DEATH. "Earthworms are called as farmer’s friend. They are also affected by excess usage of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. Pesticides have the effect on reproduction potential of earthworms so automatically the population of the worms decline." https://lnkd.in/eUfCif8 View in LinkedIn

CHEMICAL STEW. "It is estimated that less than 0.1 % of the pesticides applied to crops reach the target pests. Thus, more than 99 % of applied pesticides have the potential to impact non-target organisms and become widely dispersed in the environment as potential contaminants." https://lnkd.in/eUfCif8 View in LinkedIn

CONFLUENT SYNERGY. Since World War II, the effects of the "green revolution" (chemical and intensive industrial farming), pollution, and over-population have threatened a sustainable planet. A canary in the coal mine is the quality of the soil, upon which we depend for all plant and animal food. View in LinkedIn

THE SOLUTION. "Throughout human history earthworms have unintentionally but undeniably triggered the rise of civilizations. “Wherever earthworms plough, people thrive. When worms perish, societies collapse.” https://lnkd.in/eBYRycK View in LinkedIn

CHARLES DARWIN singlehandedly elevated the prominence of the humble earthworm by his considerable powers of observation and experimentation over many decades. Since his publication on the sole subject of earthworms, serious study has been stimulated. A long-time favorite of mine. View in LinkedIn

MOULD AND WORMS. "I have now (May 1, 1881) sent to the printers the MS. of a little book on The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Actions of Worms. This is a subject of but small importance; and I know not whether it will interest any readers, but it has interested me." (Charles Darwin). https://lnkd.in/e8jbAfG View in LinkedIn