American scientists from Colorado State University evaluated the contribution of common worms to the production of basic food crops. It turns out that invertebrates provide about 6.5% of the annual world grain production, while legumes provide 2.3%. To work published In the scientific journal Nature Communications (NatComms).
Experts estimate that up to 140 million tonnes of food are produced each year thanks to worms; This amount is comparable to the total volume of rice, wheat, oats, barley, corn and other grains grown by Russia, the world’s fourth largest agricultural producer. .
The analysis showed that earthworms had the most significant impact on agriculture in the southern regions of the world; In particular, 10% of the grain harvest in sub-Saharan Africa and 8% of the grain harvest in Latin America and the Caribbean depends on them.
The major contribution of earthworms to agricultural production in developing countries is due to local farmers having less access to fertilizers and pesticides, scientists said. Instead, farmers rely on organic matter and invertebrates.
Earthworms help create healthy soil by supporting crop growth in several ways: by creating good soil structure, promoting water retention, and accelerating the breakdown of organic matter, making nutrients more available to crops.
Other studies have also shown that earthworms improve plant defenses against common soil pathogens and increase overall yields by approximately 25%.
Previous scientists I learnedA diet supplemented with mealworms helps you lose weight.