Earthworms and iron...???

[Dconcb]

Just found this kind of interesting and was curious if others find the same.
Most any time I dig iron, there are worms in the plug.
Aluminum, no worms.
Seems like there was s a connection.
All I could find was a study showing the worms had a receptor for the earths magnetic field,
That allows them to know up from down.
I realize there are plenty of worms in the ground, but it seems like every iron target is surrounded with them.
Curious

 

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[DigToChina]

I’ve wondered about that plus weeds and other plants with a head start in spring. Seems like there is always a patch of weeds or greener grass when I’m digging a target. Almost like the metal is warmer than the surrounding ground so the plants above it have a competitive advantage. Worms and ants also seem to be in higher abundance. This is purely non-scientific.

 

[U.B.]

I cannot offer any science, except to agree that iron targets I dig have earthworms, in the plug. Occasionally, there are grub worms, but I toss those out for the robins. I’ve noticed, for some time, that black ants are frequently nested over an iron target. I wonder if the decayed iron has loosened the soil, making it easier for the worms, or ants, to burrow; or does it provide some nutrient for them.

 

[SeekerProB]

Interesting observation, I will have to keep this in mind as I dig.

 

[Deep1]

I believe it has to do with the nutrition iron provides.
A friend's grandfather used to throw rusty iron into his garden, he had best garden around.

 

[releventchair]

Iron and mild steel rust is in the sulfur neighborhood. (Iron oxide.) Not a match but close enough for thermite properties for example.
There is a kind of bacteria involved in the corrosion.
Is it a beneficial one to certain critters?

If one wants to go overboard....https://aem.asm.org/content/80/4/1226

 

[A2coins]

Head scratcher

 

[Dconcb]

That’s interesting! @ Deep1, The soil does seem quite rich in the vicinity. I’ll have to do some comparison checks.

 

[Deep1]

Want green grass?
Spray liquid iron on your lawn.