Nature's Recyclers
Mold and bacteria and higher level organisms like beetles, centipedes and, of course,
earthworms are all busy recyclers. By breaking down organic matter -- stuff like dead plants, poop,
and decaying animals -- they create valuable nutrients necessary for rich and fertile soil. Take it
from me, a worm who knows, we are doing you a big favor.
What Worms do
Without the help of worms, every plant and animal that died and fell to the ground would stay
right where it fell. Trees, leaves, fruit, nuts, dead animals and food would just keep piling up
(you'd be living underground like us!).
Worms make nutrients
But worms and other decomposers break down all this refuge. All those trees and leaves becomes
rich soil for new seedlings to grow. And the cycle starts all over again! To learn more about how
worms help break down dead plants and animals, check out Wendell's exclusive interview with
Eddie the Earthworm or click here to go onto
worm bins.
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The Decomposers break things down into valuable
nutrients that can be used by other plants and animals. Start with a old dead log or fallen leaves
and you end up with rich soil for new seedlings to grow.
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