Showing posts with label earthworms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label earthworms. Show all posts

Monday 16 September 2019

Microplastics Stunts Earthworm Growth

"The ocean isn't the only ecosystem threatened by microplastics.
A first-of-its-kind study published Wednesday in Environmental Science and Technology found that particles from the kind of plastic commonly used in bags and bottles stunt the growth of earthworms, a finding with major implications for soil health, The Independent reported."


The Climate Catastrophe, that is upon us, is not our only concern. Earthworms provide a number of services that help plants grow. Their tunnels allow air and water to reach plant roots. Their casings feed the plants. If worms are shrinking in size this may have serious consequences for plant growth. These consequences could include stunted or smaller plants and less developed roots for example.

If we are to build a resilient community that can help to mitigate the impact that the Climate Catastrophe is, and will increasingly continue, to have upon the plant we also must drastically reduce the use of plastics globally.