

Even better, worm castings contain far fewer pathogens than regular topsoil because worms remove them during their feeding frenzies.īecause castings contain 50% more humus than regular topsoil, they are far more beneficial for plants. Worm castings are also loaded with beneficial microbes from the stomachs of worms that help to renew worn-out soils and create better habitats for soil bacteria. This means that they can be applied directly to your plants without having to be aged first. Castings are also gentle enough that they won’t burn plant roots with their high levels of nitrogen. Thus, helping your plants to better withstand the stress of drought and heat while also inhibiting the development of diseases like root rot. Unlike other forms of manure or artificial fertilizer, worm castings are immediately absorbed by plants and also enhance the water retention abilities of the soil they are placed in. Best of all, worm castings are clean and odorless, making it easy to forget how they are actually made. Not only are worm castings an ideal form of plant fertilizer, they also work as a high-quality soil enhancer and compost starter. How Do Earthworm Castings Benefit the Soil and Crops? As an earthworm can produce its body weight in worm castings every day, even a relatively small amount of worms can quickly provide you with an enormous amount of castings. Then, they pass them out of their body as small dark droppings (called castings) which make them easy for plants to access. The acids in the stomachs of earthworms process common nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Many nutrients in the soil aren’t available for plants to access until they have gone through the digestive system of worms. When the soil is hard, worms move by eating their way through, creating some of the richest fertilizer known to man in the process. Often called ‘nature’s plow’, earthworms push their heads through the earth in order to create their burrows.

What are Earthworm Castings?Īs the excretions of earthworms, worm castings are what is left of garbage after worms have processed it. With the proper setup, you can create high-quality garden fertilizer using nothing more than the trash you usually throw away.

Best of all, worm castings are simple to make right at home with minimal equipment. Additionally, similar benefits occur for outdoor plants. Just one tablespoon of worm castings provide enough nutrients to keep a potted plant perfectly fed for two months. When pooped out, this digested dirt becomes one of the most beneficial forms of soil amendments in the entire world. All over the planet, the humble earthworm is hard at work digging burrows and chewing through any material in their way. In fact, it’s likely being created under your feet right this minute such as earthworm castings. Some of the best fertilizer in the entire world is so simple to make.
