Earthworms are repelled by the high concentrations of nutrients in soils treated with synthetic fertilizers. How might this affect the soil structure?
A)The soil becomes less fertilized by bird droppings.
B)The soil becomes more compact.
C)As the worms leave, insect larvae take over the role of making the soil porous.
D)Decaying dead worms are an important component of soil compost, which is why soil without many worms is less fertile.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Earthworms play an important role in creating and maintaining a porous soil structure. Without their burrowing and movement, the soil becomes more compact and less aerated, which can negatively impact plant growth. The repulsion of earthworms from synthetic fertilizers may decrease their population density in the soil, leading to poorer soil structure.

Earthworms Are Repelled by the High Concentrations of Nutrients in Soils