Called the farmer’s ‘friend’, the ______ helps in the breakdown of complex organic matter as well as in loosening of the soil.

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

SSC CPO Previous Paper 37 (Held On: 24 November 2020 Shift 2)

Answer 1

The correct answer is earthworm.

Important Points

Earthworms are known as farmers’ best friends because of the multitude of services they provide that improve soil health and consequently plant health.
The density of earthworms in the soil is considered to be a good indicator of healthy soil because they improve many soil attributes like structure, water holding capacity, moisture content, etc.
They can also increase nutrient availability and degrade pesticide residues.
- Worms feed on plant debris (dead roots, leaves, grasses, manure) and soil.
- Their digestive system concentrates the organic and mineral constituents in the food they eat, so their casts are richer in available nutrients than the soil around them.
- Soils with earthworms drain up to 10 times faster than soils without earthworms.