Topic: No Dig

[Robert_Brenchley]

If BFB is applied at a normal rate, I'd have thought any worm repellent qualities would disappear pretty fast as it rots.

NZ flatworms are a more serious problem. Have you got absolutely no worms, Greenstar, or only a few? The flatworms appear to like damp, clayey soil, and in such conditions they do wipe out earthworms. In drier conditions and sandy soils, earthworm populations can recover, or the flatworms can die out. Digging makes the problem worse.

[thifasmom]

NZ flatworms are a more serious problem. Have you got absolutely no worms, Greenstar, or only a few? The flatworms appear to like damp, clayey soil, and in such conditions they do wipe out earthworms. In drier conditions and sandy soils, earthworm populations can recover, or the flatworms can die out. Digging makes the problem worse.

why?

[earlypea]

Greenstar - I was reading (in the book "Teaming with Microbes") that NZ flatworm populations are increased as a result of spreading steaming manure on beds rather than letting it age fully.  Apparantly it's a big problem in some parts of the US.  Didn't realise we had them here.  Can't remember what else it said, maybe I'll look later...

Delete that comment - it was about a different earth critter entirely and from another book  ::)  I do remember reading about them somewhere else recently though......

[Robert_Brenchley]

I don't know why disturbing the soil would make the flatworm problem worse, but apparently it does. Breaking up the structure makes them more vulnerable somehow.

[greenstar]

When we dug all of our tatties up we rejoiced greatly when we found two worm in a bed together (worm porn?) We don't get out much...

Apparently the NZ flatworms are much worse in N Ireland and Scotland - they like it cold and wet.  We don't have a heavy soil, but the problem is made much worse by people putting black plastic down and leaving it down over winter.  When we took the current plot on last year there was muchos black plastic sheeting and the place was hoaching with them, but so far this year I've only found one and a couple of eggs.

And we don't have any steaming manure, or not to put on the garden anyway  ;)

I'll just have to keep squishing the buggers.