Earthworms "plow" and mix up the soil. Their tunneling loosens the soil so water and nutrients can go downward. The nutrients in worm castings enrich the soil. The slime they secrete contains nitrogen, an important nutrient for plants. Earthworms crawl through soil consuming organic matter and in the process break it down and produce worm castings which are rich in nutrients, humus and microorganisms. In this process, earthworms also mix and aerate the soil. Earthworms’ activities are beneficial because it can enhance soil nutrient cycling through the rapid incorporation of detritus into mineral soils. In addition to this mixing effect, mucus production associated with water excretion in earthworm guts also enhances the activity of other beneficial soil microorganisms. Earthworms stimulate microbial activity, mix and aggregate the soil, soil water content, and water holding capacity. The mutual action of earthworms and microbes brings faster decomposition as the earthworm's condition, aerate, fragment, and enhance the surface area of the organic matter for microbial action. Earthworms Are Very Important for Soil Ecosystems—in a Good or Bad Way. Earthworms naturally occur in most terrestrial ecosystems around the globe. They constantly structure the soils that they live in. Their burrowing activities mix the soil and improve the flow of air and water through the underground world.

Earthworms Are Very Important for Soil Ecosystems in a Good or Bad Way. Earthworms naturally occur in most terrestrial ecosystems around the globe. They constantly structure the soils that they live in. Their burrowing activities mix the soil and improve the flow of air and water through the underground world. Earthworms "plow" and mix up the soil. Their tunneling loosens the soil so water and nutrients can go downward. The nutrients in worm castings enrich the soil. The slime they secrete contains nitrogen, an important nutrient for plants. Earthworms make their way through the soil, by loosening the soil and allowing more air to get in. Earthworms improve the quality of the soil as it recycles the organic waste into humus. This makes the soil fertile and helps the crops to grow. The earthworms improve the fertility of soil in different ways and, therefore, they are of utmost importance in agriculture. Actually, the burrowing and soil feeding habits of earthworms make the soil porous which permit both aeration and quick absorption of water. Earthworms help to increase the amount of air and water that gets into the soil. They break down organic matter, like leaves and grass into things that plants can use. When they eat, they leave behind castings that are a very valuable type of fertilizer. Earthworms are like free farm help. Earthworm tunnels bring in oxygen, drain water and create space for plant roots. Their natural feeding habits mean that small amounts of soil pass through their bodies and, surprisingly, when they excrete it, it is in better condition what goes in comes out much better. Earthworms seem to enhance denitrification, most likely through the increase in organic compounds due to organic matter decomposition. By enhancing soil nutrient availability, earthworms indirectly promote plant growth, which has also been attributed to the induction of signal molecules.