 In New Zealand we have 171 native worm species and 23 non-native species. Earthworms and compost worms process soil and organic matter but are actually sustained mainly by the consumption of bacteria. In 24 hours a worm processes the equivalent of its own bodyweight of soil. The castings are largely colloidal soluble humus – at least five times richer in plant available nutrients than surrounding soil.
On average a worm produces 50 capsules (eggs) a year. Each capsule contains from 2 to 20 worms. Worms live 4 to 6 years.
One hectare of highly functional topsoil can be home to 5 million worms (5oo m2). One million worms weigh approximately one tonne. The bacteria in one hectare of good topsoil will weigh around 8,000 kgs. Clearly then you can ‘farm’ as much or more livestock below ground as above. When worms die they decompose rapidly and their bodies contain 1.5 -2% of plant available nitrogen. |
