Die when you chop them in half with a shovel.
CandleJakk Formerly Che_Guevaras_Sponge,
Thu 30 Aug 2007, 11:38,
archived)
lies.they become two totally independent worms and live full and meaningful lives, often going on to gain university degrees.
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god save the queen making another unremarkable comeback,
Thu 30 Aug 2007, 11:40,
archived)
You're wrong, but, it is a nice thought. CandleJakk Formerly Che_Guevaras_Sponge,
Thu 30 Aug 2007, 11:43,
archived)
Mix and aggregate soil.As they consume organic matter and mineral particles, earthworms excrete wastes in the form of casts, a type of soil aggregate. Charles Darwin calculated that earthworms can move large amounts of soil from the lower strata to the surface and also carry organic matter down into deeper soil layers. A large proportion of soil passes through the guts of earthworms, and they can turn over the top six inches (15 cm) of soil in ten to twenty years.
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gronkpan https://twitter.com/VomitingLarry,
Thu 30 Aug 2007, 11:44,
archived)
Stimulate microbial activity. Although earthworms derive their nutrition from microorganisms, many more microorganisms are present in their feces or casts than in the organic matter that they consume. As organic matter passes through their intestines, it is fragmented and inoculated with microorganisms. Increased microbial activity facilitates the cycling of nutrients from organic matter and their conversion into forms readily taken up by plants.
( gronkpan https://twitter.com/VomitingLarry,
Thu 30 Aug 2007, 11:44,
archived)
Provide channels for root growth. The channels made by deep-burrowing earthworms are lined with readily available nutrients and make it easier for roots to penetrate deep into the soil.
( gronkpan https://twitter.com/VomitingLarry,
Thu 30 Aug 2007, 11:47,
archived)
Increase infiltration. Earthworms enhance porosity as they move through the soil. Some species make permanent burrows deep into the soil. These burrows can persist long after the inhabitant has died, and can be a major conduit for soil drainage, particularly under heavy rainfall. At the same time, the burrows minimize surface water erosion. The horizontal burrowing of other species in the top several inches of soil increases overall porosity and drainage.
( gronkpan https://twitter.com/VomitingLarry,
Thu 30 Aug 2007, 11:45,
archived)
Improve water-holding capacity.By fragmenting organic matter, and increasing soil porosity and aggregation, earthworms can significantly increase the water-holding capacity of soils.
( gronkpan https://twitter.com/VomitingLarry,
Thu 30 Aug 2007, 11:46,
archived)
they improve drainage AND increase water retention?They are truly magical.
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Debbilgrrrrl is kinda back,
Thu 30 Aug 2007, 11:47,
archived)