Page 1 of 1

Worms and soil health

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 3:57 pm
by jpluddite
Hi guys.

Many posts about fertilizing refer to soil health, specifically fungi/bacteria activity.

Is the number of worms in the soil at all related to the amount of fungi/bacteria present?

Thanks,

jp

Re: Worms and soil health

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 5:50 pm
by canadianplant
Theoretically, yes. The more soil organisms the healthier the soil (generally speaking). Fungi is a major contributor to the forest ecosystem, due to the level of leaves and wood. Grasslands tend to have less fungi and more soil bacteria. Either way both are usually present in healthy soil.

If youre looking to boost worm/soil life, limit chemicals (as in organic methods, or a little amount of fungal spray on say, fruit trees), or avoid them all together. They tend to kill soil bacteria, and fungi more so. Try to limit bare soil (lots of mulch or shade), disturbing the soil and have a good diversity of plants.

Re: Worms and soil health

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2012 10:43 pm
by jpluddite
I have lots of worms in my garden since I use compost and no pesticides, but I've never done a test for bacteria/fungi. Do such tests exist?

jp

Re: Worms and soil health

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2012 12:21 am
by canadianplant
I think the best thing to do is use a microscope