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Earthworms are very important in the soil - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question c - 2014
Question c
Earthworms are very important in the soil. (i) Name the phylum to which earthworms belong. (ii) List three ways in which earthworms benefit the soil. (iii) Outlin... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Earthworms are very important in the soil - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question c - 2014
Step 1
Step 2
(ii) List three ways in which earthworms benefit the soil.
Answer
Earthworms provide several benefits to the soil:
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Improve Aeration: By burrowing through the soil, earthworms create channels that allow air to penetrate, enhancing oxygen availability for plant roots.
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Enhance Nutrient Cycling: Earthworms decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the soil, increasing soil fertility and improving its overall nutrient content.
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Dampen Soil Structure: The movement of earthworms helps to mix soil layers, improve drainage, and enhance soil structure, which is critical for healthy plant growth.
Step 3
(iii) Outline two ways by which the farmer can increase earthworm numbers in the soil.
Answer
Farmers can increase earthworm populations through the following methods:
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Adding Organic Matter: Incorporating compost or other organic materials into the soil provides food for earthworms, encouraging their growth and reproduction.
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Maintaining Correct Soil pH: Ensuring the soil has the appropriate pH level can create a favorable environment for earthworms, promoting their activity and numbers.
Step 4
(iv) Describe an experiment to show the activity of earthworms in the soil.
Answer
To demonstrate the activity of earthworms, a simple experiment can be set up as follows:
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Materials Needed: A container with soil, some earthworms, and leaves or organic matter.
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Setup: Layer the container with soil, followed by a layer of leaves. Place the earthworms on top and cover them lightly with soil.
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Observation Period: Allow the experiment to run for a few days, keeping the container in a cool environment.
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Data Collection: After a suitable time period, observe the changes in soil layers and count the leaves or materials eaten by the earthworms.
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Conclusion: Document that the earthworms have altered the soil structure and processed the organic matter, indicating their activity.