Mochi IsleHow do earthworms help the soil?
In short: Earthworms burrow through soil, making little tunnels that let air and rain soak in. They eat dead leaves and soil, and their droppings are full of nutrients, so soil with worms is usually looser and richer.
How it works
Earthworms have no bones. They move by stretching and squeezing their bodies. Their tunnels act like tiny pipes for water and air, and plant roots can grow down them more easily.
Worms eat rotting leaves and soil, grind them up inside their bodies and digest them. What comes out, worm castings, is packed with nutrients that plants need.
Worms also drag fallen leaves down into their burrows and bring deeper soil up, like tiny ploughs mixing the layers together.
Where to see it in New Zealand
New Zealand has more than 170 kinds of native earthworm, and probably more not yet named. Some live deep in the forest, and the biggest can grow longer than a metre. Many of the worms common in gardens arrived long ago from Europe in soil and plants.
Try it together
After rain, gently turn over a small patch of garden soil with an adult and count how many worms you find. Then put them back and cover them with soil. Wash your hands after touching soil.
Kids also ask
Why do worms come up after rain?
Scientists have a few ideas: the soil may be flooded, so they move; or the wet ground makes it easier to travel further. Nobody is completely sure yet.
Can a worm live if it is cut in two?
Usually not both halves. Sometimes the head end can grow a new tail, but the other piece usually dies, so please do not cut worms.
In the game, “Earthworms” is a nature card from the Living things set, and it can turn up on any island.
Your child finds this card by reaching the right place or meeting the right weather on the island, and lights it up by answering the question on the back. Tap the button below and the game shows your child which island it is on and how to find it. Mochi Isle is a browser learning game for ages 5 to 18; the main island and the daily lesson are free.
Find “Earthworms” on the island ↗ All cards in the Living things set