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Earthworms are not just useful especially to agriculture. If you would know the
creatures better, you will note that they are more interesting than they
initially seem. There are more fascinating facts and trivial information about
these crawling organisms. Here are some of those interesting facts:
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The average life span of earthworms, depending on species, is about four to
eight years. That is on the assumption that environmental or surrounding
conditions of the creatures are conducive and ideal for their survival. If
the environment gets less conducive, of course, earthworms could perish.
Worms are not able to survive freezing temperatures as well as too much
sunlight. That is why they are thriving in the dark through the burrows they
create on the soil. Some earthworms are even referred to as night crawlers
because they tend to go out at night when three is no sunlight.
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There are more than 3,000 different species of earthworms. Anecic worms
burrow through the soil and surface to the soil at night to get some food
and drag it down to their permanent homes beneath the topsoil. Endogeic
worms have shallower burrows and are feeding on organic matters already
abundant in the soil. Epigeic worms are those feeding on litter and decaying
organic matters. They do not own permanent burrows but they keep on doing
such diggings. Epigeic worms are the types used for artificial cultivation
of vermiculture.
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Worms, especially the vermiculture types, also have needs to survive further
and reproduce better. Among the basic necessities of worms are adequate
food, aeration, a 70% to 90% moisture content and ideal temperatures of
about 15°C to 30°C.
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Vermiculture is the process or technology of raising, reproducing and
maintaining earthworms artificially. Vermiculture is also a scientific and
organized process because materials used are specific and processes are
strict. Vermiculture pits should are always protected from direct light from
the sun and are always kept moist. Protection from predators like rats,
birds and ants are also ascertained.
You can actually
artificially raise earthworms. It just can be a tedious process. If you need
worms for your crops, plantations or orchards, you can always easily secure and
buy some by the kilos at vermiculture centers and businesses in your community. |