FIELD DAY INSPECTING CASTING WORMS

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 October 1946, Page 8

FIELD DAY INSPECTING CASTING WORMS

Unsettled weather conditions somewhat marred the day but did not lesson the interest shown by a group of young farmers from the Waimarino and Ohakune Clubs when they spent a day on Mr. Ashmore’s farm at Raetihi. The party was entertained to morning tea on arrival and then set out on a tour of inspection, the object of which was to see for themselves the work done on the property through the use of earth worms. Seme areas where the worms were first planted were first inspected and on to others which not so long ago wei e covered in moss, Danthonia, and other inferior grasses. To-day all these areas have a very good sward with an abundance of good producing grasses. Several clean paddocks were next viewed and the party was left with the impression that heavy amounts of fertiliser hr.d been applied. Mr. Ashmore, howc*'r, assured the young farmers that that was not the case as they had never been topdressed and that the good sward was due solely to the activities of the casting worms.

The progress made by the worms could he more readily apprecifted by those members who visited 17? farm last year. They estimated /iat the worms had covered and worked another three to three and a-half chains of ground. Comparisons of soil where worms had been and area not yet worked showed that the unworked soil was dry and sour smelling, crumbling to dust when handled. Soil that had been worked, however, was damp and sweet smelling, working more into a pug. Worms are unique in that they are among the few animals that eat soil and by their efforts in opening up the soil, allow the much needed air and moisture access to the plant roots, thus commencing the first stage in the cycle of improved pasture growth. With" the improved feed and better growth, more stock can be carried, m turn returning more manure to the soil and so assisting the growth of more palatable strains and also helping the tramp out unwanted weeds and the smothering of the poorer types of grasses. On returning to the house the party was again provided with tea. After expressing their appreciation of the opportunity of inspecting the property and the work of the earthworms, and of the kindness and hospitality shown by both Mr. and Mrs. Ashmore, the party availed themselves of the opportunity of collecting sods before returning home.