-
ICMag with help from Landrace Warden and The Vault is running a NEW contest in November! You can check it here. Prizes are seeds & forum premium access. Come join in!
Organic Fanatic Collective
- Thread starter Suby
- Start date
Scay Beez
Active member
whatsup fellow fanatics
whatsup fellow fanatics
Just got done reading this thread. Great info that I wasn't knowin! Its amazing to me how foods that are healthy for humans seem to be good for plants (of course there are exceptions). Lacto Bacteria.. I never would have imagined! Full Circle!
Today I came across a thread in the MR. Nice forum where Agro (icmag user) was using chlorella (another microgreen similar to spirulina) in his soil mix. I have brewed one batch of compost tea with 1/2 tbs spirulina / 5 gallons water and haven't really messed around much after that with it. No negative or positive results noticed. I'm gonna try more experiments now that I see its not a crazy idea. Definitely needs to be mixed in well or put in a sock cause it never mixes in easy (especially when ya try and drink it).
Agro's / mention of Chlorella Thread :
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?p=751846#post751846
A couple things that I saw that were left out is info on yucca. Yucca schidigera is the scientific name and it is native only to the southwestern deserts of North America. The quality of yucca is determined by saponin content (up to 12% I believe) and brix content (it is also a natural sweetener). Quillaja (soapbark) is another plant that contains saponin. You must make sure that these do not have preservatives in them because the purpose of preservatives is to kill microorganisms. I find it best to add this to the tea after its done. They are biocatalysts and fungi food that help oxygenate and loosen the soil. This is missing in most indoor grow because of the lack of ants/earthworms/nematoads and other microorganisms that move things around.
Bragg's Liquid Aminos is another ingredient that the soil food web folks always casually mention. It should be similar if not the same thing as soybean meal. Soy is a complete protein and therefore should be full of aminos once the fungus break it down.
I'm curious if anyone has had experience with using nutritional yeast (not really yeast), malt, bragg's liquid aminos, stevia, or kombucha on plants?
- sbz
whatsup fellow fanatics
Just got done reading this thread. Great info that I wasn't knowin! Its amazing to me how foods that are healthy for humans seem to be good for plants (of course there are exceptions). Lacto Bacteria.. I never would have imagined! Full Circle!
Today I came across a thread in the MR. Nice forum where Agro (icmag user) was using chlorella (another microgreen similar to spirulina) in his soil mix. I have brewed one batch of compost tea with 1/2 tbs spirulina / 5 gallons water and haven't really messed around much after that with it. No negative or positive results noticed. I'm gonna try more experiments now that I see its not a crazy idea. Definitely needs to be mixed in well or put in a sock cause it never mixes in easy (especially when ya try and drink it).
Agro's / mention of Chlorella Thread :
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?p=751846#post751846
A couple things that I saw that were left out is info on yucca. Yucca schidigera is the scientific name and it is native only to the southwestern deserts of North America. The quality of yucca is determined by saponin content (up to 12% I believe) and brix content (it is also a natural sweetener). Quillaja (soapbark) is another plant that contains saponin. You must make sure that these do not have preservatives in them because the purpose of preservatives is to kill microorganisms. I find it best to add this to the tea after its done. They are biocatalysts and fungi food that help oxygenate and loosen the soil. This is missing in most indoor grow because of the lack of ants/earthworms/nematoads and other microorganisms that move things around.
Bragg's Liquid Aminos is another ingredient that the soil food web folks always casually mention. It should be similar if not the same thing as soybean meal. Soy is a complete protein and therefore should be full of aminos once the fungus break it down.
I'm curious if anyone has had experience with using nutritional yeast (not really yeast), malt, bragg's liquid aminos, stevia, or kombucha on plants?
- sbz
hey scay beez long time. theres tons of info in here, and you cant get it all from reading it through once.
ill have to check out that thread. the spirulina has some beneficial ingredients i know there is some beta carotene, b vitamins (suby will get on ur ass for this), iron and trace minerals and some other stuff. although most of this stuff comes from other things in the tea, but if it doesn't hurt anything.
im pretty sure theres some info on yucca in here, we said it would be good to add to a foliar feeding schedule as a wetting agent. im sure theres more than one use though.
ill have to check out that thread. the spirulina has some beneficial ingredients i know there is some beta carotene, b vitamins (suby will get on ur ass for this), iron and trace minerals and some other stuff. although most of this stuff comes from other things in the tea, but if it doesn't hurt anything.
im pretty sure theres some info on yucca in here, we said it would be good to add to a foliar feeding schedule as a wetting agent. im sure theres more than one use though.
Last edited:
Montana
Member
What about maple syrup, anyone ever tried that as a nute?
thems would be some damn tasty nuggets!!
amount 2.00 tsp
total weight 13.33 g
Basic Components
nutrient amount %DV
calories 34.93
calories from fat 0.24
calories from saturated fat 0.04
protein 0.00 g
carbohydrates 8.96 g
dietary fiber 0.00 g 0.00
soluble fiber 0.00 g
insoluble fiber 0.00 g
sugar - total 8.49 g
monosaccharides 0.44 g
disaccharides 8.06 g
other carbs 0.47 g
fat - total 0.03 g
saturated fat 0.00 g
mono fat 0.01 g
poly fat 0.01 g
trans fatty acids 0.00 g
cholesterol 0.00 mg
water 4.27 g
ash 0.08 g
Vitamins
nutrient amount %DV
vitamin A IU 0.00 IU 0.00
vitamin A RE 0.00 RE
A - carotenoid 0.00 RE 0.00
A - retinol 0.00 RE
A - beta carotene 0.00 mcg
thiamin - B1 0.00 mg 0.00
riboflavin - B2 0.00 mg 0.00
niacin - B3 0.00 mg 0.00
niacin equiv 0.00 mg
vitamin B6 0.00 mg 0.00
vitamin B12 0.00 mcg 0.00
biotin -- mcg --
vitamin C 0.00 mg 0.00
vitamin D IU 0.00 IU 0.00
vitamin D mcg 0.00 mcg
vitamin E alpha equiv 0.00 mg 0.00
vitamin E IU 0.00 IU
vitamin E mg 0.00 mg
folate 0.00 mcg 0.00
vitamin K 0.00 mcg 0.00
pantothenic acid 0.00 mg 0.00
Minerals
nutrient amount %DV
boron -- mcg
calcium 8.93 mg 0.89
chloride -- mg
chromium -- mcg --
copper 0.01 mg 0.50
fluoride -- mg --
iodine -- mcg --
iron 0.16 mg 0.89
magnesium 1.87 mg 0.47
manganese 0.44 mg 22.00
molybdenum -- mcg --
phosphorus 0.27 mg 0.03
potassium 27.20 mg
selenium 0.08 mcg 0.11
sodium 1.20 mg
zinc 0.55 mg 3.67
Saturated Fats
nutrient amount %DV
4:0 butyric 0.00 g
6:0 caproic 0.00 g
8:0 caprylic 0.00 g
10:0 capric 0.00 g
12:0 lauric 0.00 g
14:0 myristic 0.00 g
15:0 pentadecanoic 0.00 g
16:0 palmitic 0.00 g
17:0 margaric 0.00 g
18:0 stearic 0.00 g
20:0 arachidic 0.00 g
22:0 behenate 0.00 g
24:0 lignoceric 0.00 g
Mono Fats
nutrient amount %DV
14:1 myristol 0.00 g
15:1 pentadecenoic 0.00 g
16:1 palmitol 0.00 g
17:1 heptadecenoic 0.00 g
18:1 oleic 0.01 g
20:1 eicosen 0.00 g
22:1 erucic 0.00 g
24:1 nervonic 0.00 g
Poly Fats
nutrient amount %DV
18:2 linoleic 0.01 g
18:3 linolenic 0.00 g
18:4 stearidon 0.00 g
20:3 eicosatrienoic 0.00 g
20:4 arachidon 0.00 g
20:5 EPA 0.00 g
22:5 DPA 0.00 g
22:6 DHA 0.00 g
Other Fats
nutrient amount %DV
omega 3 fatty acids 0.00 g 0.00
omega 6 fatty acids 0.01 g
Amino Acids
nutrient amount %DV
alanine 0.00 g
arginine 0.00 g
aspartate 0.00 g
cystine 0.00 g 0.00
glutamate 0.00 g
glycine 0.00 g
histidine 0.00 g 0.00
isoleucine 0.00 g 0.00
leucine 0.00 g 0.00
lysine 0.00 g 0.00
methionine 0.00 g 0.00
phenylalanine 0.00 g 0.00
proline 0.00 g
serine 0.00 g
threonine 0.00 g 0.00
tryptophan 0.00 g 0.00
tyrosine 0.00 g 0.00
valine 0.00 g 0.00
Other
nutrient amount %DV
alcohol 0.00 g
caffeine 0.00 mg
artif sweetener total -- mg
aspartame -- mg
saccharin -- mg
sugar alcohol 0.00 g
glycerol 0.00 g
inositol 0.00 g
mannitol 0.00 g
sorbitol 0.00 g
xylitol 0.00 g
organic acids -- mg
acetic acid -- mg
citric acid -- mg
lactic acid -- mg
malic acid -- mg
choline -- mg --
taurine -- mg
thems would be some damn tasty nuggets!!
amount 2.00 tsp
total weight 13.33 g
Basic Components
nutrient amount %DV
calories 34.93
calories from fat 0.24
calories from saturated fat 0.04
protein 0.00 g
carbohydrates 8.96 g
dietary fiber 0.00 g 0.00
soluble fiber 0.00 g
insoluble fiber 0.00 g
sugar - total 8.49 g
monosaccharides 0.44 g
disaccharides 8.06 g
other carbs 0.47 g
fat - total 0.03 g
saturated fat 0.00 g
mono fat 0.01 g
poly fat 0.01 g
trans fatty acids 0.00 g
cholesterol 0.00 mg
water 4.27 g
ash 0.08 g
Vitamins
nutrient amount %DV
vitamin A IU 0.00 IU 0.00
vitamin A RE 0.00 RE
A - carotenoid 0.00 RE 0.00
A - retinol 0.00 RE
A - beta carotene 0.00 mcg
thiamin - B1 0.00 mg 0.00
riboflavin - B2 0.00 mg 0.00
niacin - B3 0.00 mg 0.00
niacin equiv 0.00 mg
vitamin B6 0.00 mg 0.00
vitamin B12 0.00 mcg 0.00
biotin -- mcg --
vitamin C 0.00 mg 0.00
vitamin D IU 0.00 IU 0.00
vitamin D mcg 0.00 mcg
vitamin E alpha equiv 0.00 mg 0.00
vitamin E IU 0.00 IU
vitamin E mg 0.00 mg
folate 0.00 mcg 0.00
vitamin K 0.00 mcg 0.00
pantothenic acid 0.00 mg 0.00
Minerals
nutrient amount %DV
boron -- mcg
calcium 8.93 mg 0.89
chloride -- mg
chromium -- mcg --
copper 0.01 mg 0.50
fluoride -- mg --
iodine -- mcg --
iron 0.16 mg 0.89
magnesium 1.87 mg 0.47
manganese 0.44 mg 22.00
molybdenum -- mcg --
phosphorus 0.27 mg 0.03
potassium 27.20 mg
selenium 0.08 mcg 0.11
sodium 1.20 mg
zinc 0.55 mg 3.67
Saturated Fats
nutrient amount %DV
4:0 butyric 0.00 g
6:0 caproic 0.00 g
8:0 caprylic 0.00 g
10:0 capric 0.00 g
12:0 lauric 0.00 g
14:0 myristic 0.00 g
15:0 pentadecanoic 0.00 g
16:0 palmitic 0.00 g
17:0 margaric 0.00 g
18:0 stearic 0.00 g
20:0 arachidic 0.00 g
22:0 behenate 0.00 g
24:0 lignoceric 0.00 g
Mono Fats
nutrient amount %DV
14:1 myristol 0.00 g
15:1 pentadecenoic 0.00 g
16:1 palmitol 0.00 g
17:1 heptadecenoic 0.00 g
18:1 oleic 0.01 g
20:1 eicosen 0.00 g
22:1 erucic 0.00 g
24:1 nervonic 0.00 g
Poly Fats
nutrient amount %DV
18:2 linoleic 0.01 g
18:3 linolenic 0.00 g
18:4 stearidon 0.00 g
20:3 eicosatrienoic 0.00 g
20:4 arachidon 0.00 g
20:5 EPA 0.00 g
22:5 DPA 0.00 g
22:6 DHA 0.00 g
Other Fats
nutrient amount %DV
omega 3 fatty acids 0.00 g 0.00
omega 6 fatty acids 0.01 g
Amino Acids
nutrient amount %DV
alanine 0.00 g
arginine 0.00 g
aspartate 0.00 g
cystine 0.00 g 0.00
glutamate 0.00 g
glycine 0.00 g
histidine 0.00 g 0.00
isoleucine 0.00 g 0.00
leucine 0.00 g 0.00
lysine 0.00 g 0.00
methionine 0.00 g 0.00
phenylalanine 0.00 g 0.00
proline 0.00 g
serine 0.00 g
threonine 0.00 g 0.00
tryptophan 0.00 g 0.00
tyrosine 0.00 g 0.00
valine 0.00 g 0.00
Other
nutrient amount %DV
alcohol 0.00 g
caffeine 0.00 mg
artif sweetener total -- mg
aspartame -- mg
saccharin -- mg
sugar alcohol 0.00 g
glycerol 0.00 g
inositol 0.00 g
mannitol 0.00 g
sorbitol 0.00 g
xylitol 0.00 g
organic acids -- mg
acetic acid -- mg
citric acid -- mg
lactic acid -- mg
malic acid -- mg
choline -- mg --
taurine -- mg
R
Relik
Hi Montana, welcome to the OFC!
I use maple syrup instead of molasses in my teas, because they are not available where I live. It gets the job done, I guess. Seems like maple syrup, just like molasses, is rich in K? That's a good thing to know.
Peace
I use maple syrup instead of molasses in my teas, because they are not available where I live. It gets the job done, I guess. Seems like maple syrup, just like molasses, is rich in K? That's a good thing to know.
Peace
V
vonforne
Relik said:Hi Montana, welcome to the OFC!
I use maple syrup instead of molasses in my teas, because they are not available where I live. It gets the job done, I guess. Seems like maple syrup, just like molasses, is rich in K? That's a good thing to know.
Peace
There are some really quality syrup's on the market. The all natural or organic ones seem to have the larger amount of minerals. Also the all natural rawsugars work well also.
Montana, the syrup does not make the weed sweeter because the sugar molacule is too large for the plant to uptake. It does in fact feed the microherd the same as the molasses does and supplies trace minerals needed by the plants.
Scazy, did you grow your Spirulina or buy it?
Hello smurf, MI, jaykush and relik. And all the newer members to the OFC. It is great that our community is growing.
And of course Suby who is busy with his new addition to the family. Look foward to an update soon Subs.
Last edited:
Well the new addition will be here any day now.
I thought I woould take a second and say Merry Xmas and Happy Holidaze to my favorite peeps on this special occasion.
I've missed posting these last few days and have been thinking about all of you.
Keep those trees burning and hold your lighters tight as the red eye is kept in force through the night.
Peace and much love and good vibes to all of you my friends.
Suby
I thought I woould take a second and say Merry Xmas and Happy Holidaze to my favorite peeps on this special occasion.
I've missed posting these last few days and have been thinking about all of you.
Keep those trees burning and hold your lighters tight as the red eye is kept in force through the night.
Peace and much love and good vibes to all of you my friends.
Suby
I've watered my plants with maple water, which is what is boiledd 40:1 to make syrup and they definately dug whatever was in there, the results where visible, then again it is very pure water with a perfect balance of sugar.
Maple syrup is a great substitute for molasses and whether it is organic or not as long as it's 100% pure syrup it's of very little consequence as the only necessary processing step is boiling...my best friend owns a sugar farm.
Sub's
Maple syrup is a great substitute for molasses and whether it is organic or not as long as it's 100% pure syrup it's of very little consequence as the only necessary processing step is boiling...my best friend owns a sugar farm.
Sub's
Montana
Member
hey thanks for the warm welcome and merry christmas everybody!
that's interesting I was thinking that maybe the sugars were directly involved in the end result flavour.
"organic" maple syrup is a pretty funny concept if you think about it, as long as it's real maple syrup it's pretty much organic, I mean, whos perposley growing 100 yr old maple trees with chems anyway....ahaha!
I doubt the natives who showed whitey this techniche inntroduced the wild maple trees as "organic"
wouldn't it be cool if you could surround some beehives with ganja crops so they directly fed from the pollen and made "cannabis honey" just a christmas day ponder :wink:
that's interesting I was thinking that maybe the sugars were directly involved in the end result flavour.
"organic" maple syrup is a pretty funny concept if you think about it, as long as it's real maple syrup it's pretty much organic, I mean, whos perposley growing 100 yr old maple trees with chems anyway....ahaha!
I doubt the natives who showed whitey this techniche inntroduced the wild maple trees as "organic"
wouldn't it be cool if you could surround some beehives with ganja crops so they directly fed from the pollen and made "cannabis honey" just a christmas day ponder :wink:
R
Relik
Hi bros! First of all I'd like to wish you all a merry Xmas, I couldn't post earlier because the phone (and internet) lines are always saturated during these holidays where I live.
Hey Smurf, as you said, I'm kinda stuck on a rock in the Pacific lol! But it's not that bad :wink: Anyways, I go the the "cooperative agricole" (I think you might understand that, some kind of depot with plant nutes and animal feeds, where farmers get their supplies) once every 2-3 weeks, and they've never had molasses. But I'm pretty sure those will become available in the future. For example, they imported liquid seaweed for the first time a few weeks earlier. I just need to remain patient.
Also, I thought I'd let you guys know, I'm going to Australia by the end of january. I'll be heading to Sydney, originally wanted to go to Brisbane area, but there were no more tickets available. We decided this on a rush with 2 family members and a friend. Anyone from the area? Anyone ever been there?
Take care people, enjoy the holidays!
Hey Smurf, as you said, I'm kinda stuck on a rock in the Pacific lol! But it's not that bad :wink: Anyways, I go the the "cooperative agricole" (I think you might understand that, some kind of depot with plant nutes and animal feeds, where farmers get their supplies) once every 2-3 weeks, and they've never had molasses. But I'm pretty sure those will become available in the future. For example, they imported liquid seaweed for the first time a few weeks earlier. I just need to remain patient.
Also, I thought I'd let you guys know, I'm going to Australia by the end of january. I'll be heading to Sydney, originally wanted to go to Brisbane area, but there were no more tickets available. We decided this on a rush with 2 family members and a friend. Anyone from the area? Anyone ever been there?
Take care people, enjoy the holidays!
Happy silly season to all @ IC / OFC,... a bit late, yeah I know but I'm a slacker...... I've been indulging in some very good smoke from various sources that have really impressed me....... considering it was all from outdoor grows and the season still has a good 3 - 4 mths to go, I'd say the best is yet to come.
Hey Relic I know those agri. co-ops you’re speaking of...... Would be good to catch up for a session when your in oz..... you never never know. Have you thought of loading a tea chest or what ever with stuff for your home garden? (just a thought.... not sure how you'd go with quarantine/customs). Could make some inquiries if you're keen.
Too bad we can't 'scratch and smell' jaycush, lol..... looks really smokeable!
V,...... mate,..... whatcha up to? Got some normality back in your life yet?
I sincerely hope everyone has a kick ass New Years Eve, and a better year to follow!
Stay safe + happy gardening to you all
Smurf
Hey Relic I know those agri. co-ops you’re speaking of...... Would be good to catch up for a session when your in oz..... you never never know. Have you thought of loading a tea chest or what ever with stuff for your home garden? (just a thought.... not sure how you'd go with quarantine/customs). Could make some inquiries if you're keen.
Too bad we can't 'scratch and smell' jaycush, lol..... looks really smokeable!
V,...... mate,..... whatcha up to? Got some normality back in your life yet?
I sincerely hope everyone has a kick ass New Years Eve, and a better year to follow!
Stay safe + happy gardening to you all
Smurf
Worms
Worms
Worms
Belonging to the subclass Oligochaete (Gk. oligos, few; chaete, hair) Earthworms are the largest of the organisms that munch their way through organic waste to produce compost. The best composting worm species are: Reds (Lumbricus ruebellus), Tiger Worms (Eisenia foetida) and Blues (Perionyx excavatus). All are prolific breeders and, in ideal conditions, can eat up to their own body weight in organic waste per day. These worms are suited to composting as they prefer conditions where the concentration of organic matter in the soil is high. The Earthworm subclass contains 25 different families. The giant Earthworms of Gippsland (Megascolides australis) may exceed an unbelievable 3m in length! Unfortunately native Earthworms (in Australia) tend not to be used for composting due to their preference for less rich soils.
(to be continued)
Worms
Worms
Belonging to the subclass Oligochaete (Gk. oligos, few; chaete, hair) Earthworms are the largest of the organisms that munch their way through organic waste to produce compost. The best composting worm species are: Reds (Lumbricus ruebellus), Tiger Worms (Eisenia foetida) and Blues (Perionyx excavatus). All are prolific breeders and, in ideal conditions, can eat up to their own body weight in organic waste per day. These worms are suited to composting as they prefer conditions where the concentration of organic matter in the soil is high. The Earthworm subclass contains 25 different families. The giant Earthworms of Gippsland (Megascolides australis) may exceed an unbelievable 3m in length! Unfortunately native Earthworms (in Australia) tend not to be used for composting due to their preference for less rich soils.
(to be continued)
Biology of Earthworms.
Earthworms are segmented invertebrates (in = no, vertebrae = backbone). Each segment sports 4 pairs of hairs or setae (pr. see-tee) for anchorage during locomotion and burrowing. They propel themselves along by waves of peristaltic movement along the body similar to that which causes the movement of food along our gut. In order to counter the absorption of high levels of calcium from soil, calciferous glands secrete calcium ions into the gut. Like some other animals including squids and certain crustaceans, earthworms can achieve sudden rapid movement to escape predators by means of giant nerves running the length of their body. They eat mainly decayed matter drawn into their mouths by means of a muscular pharynx. Their digestive system is unsegmented and features a gizzard which grinds food into small particles for digestion.
Sexually, earthworms are hermaphrodites so they have both male and female gentalia. Mating involves an exchange of sperm. After mating a sac-like capsule is secreted by the clitellum and as it rolls off the worm's body, it collects first the worm's own eggs and then its partner's sperm (which have been held in receptacles known as spermatheca). Embryonation occurs within the capsule with sexually immature young hatching 2-3 weeks after encapsulation.
Earthworm skin is thin, wet and permeable and provides the surface across which oxygen can diffuse and enter the bloodstream. Their skin dries out easily however, and they avoid desiccation by burrowing and expeditions to the surface that are largely nocturnal. Contained within their skin are numerous microscopic sense organs. The ends of the worm, where illumination is usually registered first, are covered by light receptors. In addition worms have numerous receptors sensitive to temperature, touch, vibrations and even chemicals, it seems they also have taste receptors and can discern certain "flavours".
Aside from his work as an explorer and elucidator of the mechanics of evolution, the 19th century naturalist Charles Darwin studied earthworms and their extraordinary interaction with the soil. Earthworms play a pivotal role in soil ecology. Their ramifying burrows aerate the soil and facilitate drainage. They haul food in the form of leaves down into their burrows to decay and in so doing introduce plant roots to a valuable source of nutriment. The pulverising action of their gizzard produces castings of fine particles and overtime, this process breaks up the soil making it friable and easier for plant roots to grow through. It has been estimated that from 10-25 tonnes of soil per acre could be raised to the surface as castings per year! Furthermore, castings bring subsoil phosphates and potassium up to the top soil layers and the slimy, silvery trails left by worms contribute nitrates.
Earthworms are segmented invertebrates (in = no, vertebrae = backbone). Each segment sports 4 pairs of hairs or setae (pr. see-tee) for anchorage during locomotion and burrowing. They propel themselves along by waves of peristaltic movement along the body similar to that which causes the movement of food along our gut. In order to counter the absorption of high levels of calcium from soil, calciferous glands secrete calcium ions into the gut. Like some other animals including squids and certain crustaceans, earthworms can achieve sudden rapid movement to escape predators by means of giant nerves running the length of their body. They eat mainly decayed matter drawn into their mouths by means of a muscular pharynx. Their digestive system is unsegmented and features a gizzard which grinds food into small particles for digestion.
Sexually, earthworms are hermaphrodites so they have both male and female gentalia. Mating involves an exchange of sperm. After mating a sac-like capsule is secreted by the clitellum and as it rolls off the worm's body, it collects first the worm's own eggs and then its partner's sperm (which have been held in receptacles known as spermatheca). Embryonation occurs within the capsule with sexually immature young hatching 2-3 weeks after encapsulation.
Earthworm skin is thin, wet and permeable and provides the surface across which oxygen can diffuse and enter the bloodstream. Their skin dries out easily however, and they avoid desiccation by burrowing and expeditions to the surface that are largely nocturnal. Contained within their skin are numerous microscopic sense organs. The ends of the worm, where illumination is usually registered first, are covered by light receptors. In addition worms have numerous receptors sensitive to temperature, touch, vibrations and even chemicals, it seems they also have taste receptors and can discern certain "flavours".
Aside from his work as an explorer and elucidator of the mechanics of evolution, the 19th century naturalist Charles Darwin studied earthworms and their extraordinary interaction with the soil. Earthworms play a pivotal role in soil ecology. Their ramifying burrows aerate the soil and facilitate drainage. They haul food in the form of leaves down into their burrows to decay and in so doing introduce plant roots to a valuable source of nutriment. The pulverising action of their gizzard produces castings of fine particles and overtime, this process breaks up the soil making it friable and easier for plant roots to grow through. It has been estimated that from 10-25 tonnes of soil per acre could be raised to the surface as castings per year! Furthermore, castings bring subsoil phosphates and potassium up to the top soil layers and the slimy, silvery trails left by worms contribute nitrates.
Last edited:
3 meters! holy fuck
good info too smurf, i learned most of that in high school when we sliced one open and figured out what everything was and how it works. they do kick ass, a proper wormbin can give you some really awesome nutrients. and its free and homemade.
Circulation, digestion, nervous system and excretion in earthworms.
Diagram of Earthworm body plan including gut, blood vessels and excretory organs.
Notice the simple hearts and the absence of lungs. Earthworms have simple excretory organs known as nephridia which are present in almost all segments, although only two are drawn here. Like many other animals, the earthworm has a muscular gizzard which grinds food into particles small enough to be digested. The nervous centres in worms are clusters of nerve cells, occurring in each segment, called cerebral ganglia.
Male and female reproductive systems in earthworms
Diagram of Earthworm body plan including reproductive organs.
Diagram of Earthworm body plan including gut, blood vessels and excretory organs.
Notice the simple hearts and the absence of lungs. Earthworms have simple excretory organs known as nephridia which are present in almost all segments, although only two are drawn here. Like many other animals, the earthworm has a muscular gizzard which grinds food into particles small enough to be digested. The nervous centres in worms are clusters of nerve cells, occurring in each segment, called cerebral ganglia.
Male and female reproductive systems in earthworms
Diagram of Earthworm body plan including reproductive organs.
Earthworms are hermaphroditic so they are both male and female. Even though they produce both sperm and eggs earthworms don't actually fertilise themselves, instead copulation involves an exchange of sperm between mates. After mating and prior to fertilisation, sperm is held in spermatheca. When a sac forms around the clitellum it begins to roll off the body receiving first eggs from the female pore and then sperm from spermatheca as it rolls. This sac later becomes the capsule within which fertilisation occurs.
(to be continued)
