Earthworm Population — FarmPal
Earthworms are ecosystem engineers that create soil structure, cycle nutrients, and indicate soil health.
Ideal Range
Healthy soil: 10+ earthworms per cubic foot. Degraded soil: fewer than 5.
How to Test
Dig 1 cubic foot of soil and count earthworms of all sizes.
Improvement Strategies
- •Reduce tillage (kills earthworms directly and destroys burrows)
- •Add organic matter as food source
- •Avoid pesticides and synthetic fertilizers
- •Maintain soil moisture through mulching
- •Avoid extreme pH (very acid or alkaline)
- •Plant diverse cover crops for varied diet