A. After a thorough web search, I don’t find any studies showing declining or decimated earthworm populations due to hurricanes. Of course, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t happen. It seems unlikely, though, that the saltwater would have a long lasting toxic effect. Any harmful effect is more likely the result of other toxins like oil and other petrochemicals being deposited in the soil. In fact, earthworms are sometimes used to treat contaminated soil, as are certain plants that act as ‘sinks’ that take in and consume or store toxic compounds.
For replenishing a desirable earthworm population in your yard, you will want to distinguish between surface dwelling “epigeic” worms, such as the redworms used for vermicomposting, and “anecic” worms, which are the burrowing soil dwelling worms that are commonly referred to as earthworms. Earthworms spend much of their time burrowing deep in the earth, aerating and loosening the soil, and are very beneficial to the general health of your lawn. They are also available in cocoon stage at organic gardening supply shops like Worm’s Way . |
