Soil remediation

Cultivated soils frequently suffer from compaction, bad drainage, broken and fragmented structure and devoid of organic matter, these conditions are incapable of supporting a population of worms, therefore before worms are introduced, these conditions must be remedied. Once this has been achieved, a population of worms can be introduced.

There are two species of soil dwelling worm currently available, these are Lumbricus terrestris and Eisenia hortensis.

Lumbricus terrestris is the large worm that most people are familiar with, it is a slow breeding worm that likes to live in deep undisturbed soils, it also throws worm casts onto the surface and can be seen on grass, particularly after warm rain at night, giving it one of its common names of ?Dew worm?
This worm should only be introduced into areas where it will not be disturbed on a regular basis and where the casts on the surface will not cause a problem, many of these worms are deliberately killed because of the ?problem? of casts on the lawn.

Eisenia hortensis in contrast, is a comparatively rapid breeder, lives in the top 12 inches of soil and does not throw casts to the surface, making it a good choice for lawn areas.
Both species will need ongoing feed in the form of organic matter either as a mulch or not collecting the grass clippings once in a while.

Both worms are a good source of food for wildlife and can be most beneficial in this way.

Once the worms have been introduced, the use of herbicides and pesticides should not be carried out for at least 12 months and preferably not at all.

?Planting worms?

Any worms purchased to be introduced into the soil should never be just scattered on the surface in the belief they will burrow down ? they won?t! If left on the surface they are likely to be picked off by the local bird population or even killed off by the sun and ultra violet light.

With both species they should be ?planted? dig trowel depth holes, a couple every square metre, water the hole, put in a little natural compost, NOT potting compost, add a few worms and break up the removed soil and put back on top.
In new areas used for shrubs etc, this should be done before any mulch is spread and in lawn areas, before turf or seed are laid, if worms are being introduced to an established garden then there is no choice but to dig the holes through the mulch or grass. The quantity of worms per hole is really down to the customer but as a guide, 2 or 3 Lumbricus terrestris and with Eisenia hortensis, a very small handful or a very large pinch!

I hope this has been useful, please feel free to copy and download for your own private use. Strictly no commercial use or reproduction without our express, written permission.

Nigel.

Soil remediation

Soil remediation

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