Those who till the land, have to be concerned about the quality of the soil; the availability of water; and must, from time to time, remember to say “thank you” to earthworms for providing crucial assistance to farmers and gardeners.

Called a farmer’s friend, earthworms are extremely beneficial in agriculture. Their channelling and burrowing loosens the soil and improves soil drainage.

Earthworms’ burrowing helps in proper aeration of the soil, which helps in the respiration of the roots of the plants, making them penetrate deeper and grow well.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, earthworms have been described as “ecosystem engineers” as they cause physical, chemical and biological changes to the soil profile.

Earthworms recycle dead plant material to compost and improve nutrient availability by pulling organic material deeper into the soil and their excreta (faecal deposit) is rich in the nitrogenous matter that is required for plant growth.

Knowing that earthworms operate underground and that their work is invisible to many, it is fitting that we take time to acknowledge their work.

The next time you till the land, whisper a “thank you” to the humble earthworm, the earth is listening.

Mokgokong Mokgethi