The Earth Moved
On the Remarkable Acheivements of Earthworms
by Amy Stewart Worm castings contain nutrients and bacteria. Different types of bacteria benefit from different types of worms. Sometimes those bacteria are helpful to the growth of plants; sometimes they are not. The presence of European earthworms can have major benefits for farmers. Earthworm castings can improve the health of plants, and earthworms themselves can change the populations of bacteria. Organically grown food, enriched by earthworms rather than chemicals, is not only richer in nutrients, it grows better. The spread of earthworms into areas where they are not native can damage the original ecosystem.
This book is written from a gardener's perspective and is aimed primarily at gardeners. Stewart talks about worms' effects on different types of plants, and how to deal with the various forms of life to be found in gardens. She also talks about the history of the study of worms and their effects on things other than gardens. Unfortunately, she spends much space on idyllic stories about Darwin. Stewart makes a compelling argument for organic gardening and farming. Also interesting is an aside about the decomposition of human waste by earthworms.
Organic reading.
