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Worms
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Well, if you must eat worms, don’t eat them from your garden, because they’re doing an important job there. Actually, several. As they tunnel through the earth, worms eat up microbes and decaying vegetation. Their excretions—called castings—are rich in plant nutrients. In this way, worms are roving composters, turning unavailable nutrient sources into available ones. In the process, worms reverse soil compaction. The tunnels they dig aerate soil, allowing needed water and air to penetrate to the roots of plants, and they also give roots room to grow. Other creepy crawlies living in soil—soil mites, sow bugs, springtails—also contribute to garden health. They eat up soil bacteria and their excretions provide additional plant nutrients.
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Nobody
likes you? Everybody hates you? Guess you’ll go eat worms?
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| © Exploratorium |