Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
16
Earthworms
Background
For many years the beneficial effects that earthworms have on soil fertility have
been known, but it is only relatively recently that earthworms have been studied in
Australian soils.
Each country has its own native species of earthworms, some of which are
quite adaptable, and have spread to other countries. Australian soils now contain
native species and a range of introduced species that have adapted to our
conditions, and in many cases have displaced the native earthworms. The longer,
thinner, introduced earthworm and the shorter, stockier native earthworm are
now both present in south-east Australia.
As earthworms respond rapidly to changing soil conditions, they can be
useful as biological indicators of soil health.
Soil requirements for earthworms
Soil pH
Earthworms prefer a soil pH(w) range between 4.5 and 8.0. Most species cannot
survive in useful numbers in highly acidic or alkaline soils, although there are
species that have adapted to local conditions outside the above range.
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