Great Scientific Minds And The Humble Earthworm
- Sean Bremner
- Apr 21
- 7 min read
Many of us grew up with access to gardens, and during our backyard excursions, we very likely came across the unassuming earthworm. Though anatomically simple - little more than a tube - the earthworm has nonetheless fascinated humans for thousands of years, and has been the subject of a great deal of investigation and scientific enquiry. In fact, some of the greatest minds in recorded history have viewed earthworms as an integral part of the many ecosystems that these unique creatures inhabit, and more recent research has helped to confirm this, with earthworms now known as “ecosystem engineers” thanks to the critical services that they provide. In fact, so good are earthworms at creating soil, a few species are used in the process of “vermicomposting”, where organic matter is converted into a valuable biofertilizer and soil amendment.
Among the first historical mentions of the earthworm was by ancient Greek polymath and philosopher Aristotle, who knew them as “γῆς ἔντερα”, which translates to “the earth’s intestines.” Aristotle, however, believed that earthworms were produced spontaneously from the soil - a process known as “spontaneous generation” - and that they lacked internal organs save for a gut. Aristotle’s views about earthworms would persist for centuries before being scrutinized by a growing community of naturalists and scientists starting in the 17th century.
Early Historical Figures
Albertus Magnus
Albertus Magnus was a Dominican Friar born in 1200 who gained prominence as a theological philosopher, lecturer, bishop, and early scientist. Drawing upon the works of Aristotle, Albertus would provide further detail on earthworms from closer study. Specifically, he wrote about their locomotion, reactions to external stimuli, and their morphology. But, like Aristotle and other scientists of the time, Albertus believed that earthworms generated spontaneously from soil and did not contain any internal structures apart from a primitive digestive system.
Francesco Redi
Francesco Redi (1626-1697) was an Italian physician, naturalist, and poet who is considered a founder of experimental biology and modern parasitology. He is best known for his experiments that challenged the theory of spontaneous generation, demonstrating that maggots arise from eggs laid by flies, not from the rotting meat itself. He is considered to have been the first pre-modern scientist to begin working on formal earthworm studies.
Gilbert White
Gilbert White, born in the 18th century and considered Britain’s first naturalist, is best known for his book "The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne." White recognized the invaluable role of earthworms in promoting vegetation and soil health, a concept not widely appreciated at the time. He made careful observations of their ability to both loosen and aerate soils, in turn improving their fertility and drainage capabilities. He would also observe the ways in which earthworms drew organic matter like leaves into the soil, ultimately enriching said soils with the castings that they produced.
White's observations on earthworms were remarkably insightful and laid important groundwork for later scientific investigations, including Charles Darwin's research on the role of earthworms in the formation of soils. Darwin would later acknowledge the influence of White's writings on his own interest in natural history.
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin is a scientist that needs little introduction, and his scientific work laid a long-reaching foundation within the scientific and public spheres that continues to be felt in the modern age. Little escaped Darwin’s eye, and he was well-known for observing the minute details and mechanics within natural settings.
Most people know Darwin for his work, “The Origin of Species”, but Darwin was a prolific writer and released more publications during his life. He dedicated a significant portion of his later years to studying earthworms, culminating in his final scientific book, "The Formation of Vegetable Mould, Through the Action of Worms, With Observations on Their Habits," published in 1881, one year before he died. He concluded this last book with the following personal observation: “It may be doubted whether there are many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world, as have these lowly organized creatures.”
Darwin's study of earthworms spanned over 40 years, and he conducted meticulous experiments in his garden at Down House in Kent, England. These experiments included:
Quantifying Worm Castings: He carefully measured the amount of earthworm casts brought to the surface over time, demonstrating the vital role worms play in soil bioturbation.
Observing Burrowing Behavior: He studied how worms would drag leaves and other objects into their burrows, providing insight into their intelligence and sensory perception.
Testing Sensory Abilities: Darwin investigated worms' sensitivity to light, vibrations, and even different types of food. He famously played the bassoon to them to observe their reactions to sound.
His research highlighted the interconnectedness of living organisms and their environment, emphasizing the significant impact even the smallest creatures can have on shaping the world around us.
Modern Earthworm Scientists
Dr. Clive Edwards
Dr. Clive A. Edwards (1925-2021) is widely considered by many to be the "father of modern vermiculture”, and among the most accomplished scientists of the last century. His dedication to understanding earthworms and their role in composting revolutionized our approach to organic waste management as well as sustainable agriculture.
Edwards's lifelong research on earthworm ecology provided a much-needed scientific foundation for most modern vermicomposting practices. He thoroughly studied their behavior, their interactions with microorganisms, and their unique ability to transform organic waste into a valuable soil amendment and potent biofertilizer. He would also develop practical vermicomposting systems, adapting techniques for various environments and waste materials.
Edwards was a passionate advocate for vermiculture, and his enthusiasm and expertise ignited a global movement, promoting vermicomposting as an important tool for soil health and waste reduction. He authored numerous scientific papers and books, including the seminal "Biology and Ecology of Earthworms," a comprehensive text that remains a cornerstone of the field. His work continues to inspire researchers, farmers, and environmentalists, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in sustainable waste management and a champion for the earthworm.
Dr. Norman Q. Arancon
Dr. Norman Arancon, affiliated with the University of Hawaii at Hilo, is one of the world’s leading researchers in vermicomposting, and is particularly well-known for his work on the science behind vermicompost and vermicompost tea.
Dr. Arancon has conducted extensive research on the effects of vermicompost on plant growth, yield, and disease resistance, demonstrating its positive impact on various crops. He’s a leading authority in the properties and applications of vermicompost tea, demonstrating its potential to promote plant growth and suppress plant diseases and pests. A strong advocate for sustainable agriculture, he promotes integrating vermicomposting into farming practices to improve soil health and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Dr. Arancon has published several research papers and book chapters on vermicomposting, and has made incredibly significant contributions to the scientific literature.
Dr. Jorge Domínguez
The Soil Ecology Laboratory of the University of Vigo is headed by Dr. Domínguez, who has led the charge on vermicomposting research for the last three decades. An expert on earthworm biology, much of his research has been focused on finding the perfect species for composting purposes, while also conducting studies on how earthworms have impacted microbial communities in the soil, the cycling of nutrients, as well as the decomposition of organic matter. He’s also investigated the application of vermicomposting in various contexts, including sustainable agriculture, sewage processing, and contaminated soil remediation
He has published extensively on the topic, with key publications including "State-of-the-art and new perspectives on vermicomposting research: 18 years of progress" (2023) and "Earthworms drastically change fungal and bacterial communities during vermicomposting of sewage sludge" (2021).
Dr. Rhonda Sherman
Dr. Rhonda Sherman, a retired extension specialist and researcher based at North Carolina State University, has played a momentous role in educating the public about the benefits and practical applications of earthworms and vermicomposting. She has focused on developing practical vermicomposting techniques for various settings, creating comprehensive guides and resources for homeowners, schools, and businesses. Dr. Sherman has actively engaged with communities and organizations through workshops and training programs, promoting vermicomposting as a sustainable waste management solution, and her research has investigated the effectiveness of different vermicomposting methods and worm species to optimize the process.
“The Worm Farmer’s Handbook”, Dr. Sherman’s most well-known work, is a necessity for anyone that wants to turn their passion into a profit, and outlines how to transform a household bin into a thriving commercial enterprise of any scale.
Notable Mentions
Dr. George Sheffield Oliver
Dr. Eric Nelson
Dr. Anu Rangarajan
Dr. Charles Nicholson
Dr. Pratibha Vyas
Closing Thoughts
Earthworms play a fundamental role in the maintenance and formation of our planet's soils, and have been an essential player in our own species' rise to dominance over the millennia. As such, it’s more vital than ever that farmers, scientists, and governments put greater effort into conserving earthworm populations around the world, especially as they continue to decline. But it's thanks to these great scientific pioneers that we now know just how valuable the humble earthworm really is.
References
Le Bayon, R.C. & Bullinger-Weber, Géraldine & Schomburg, Andreas & Turberg, Pascal & Schlaepfer, Rodolphe & Guenat, C.. (2017). Earthworms as ecosystem engineers: A review.
Cole R. Francesco Redi (1626-1697): Physician, Naturalist, Poet. Ann Med Hist. 1926 Winter;8(4):347-359. PMID: 33944507; PMCID: PMC7946267.
Bekoff, M., Allen, C., & Burghardt, G. M. (Eds.). (2002). The cognitive animal: Empirical and theoretical perspectives on animal cognition.
Reynolds, John. (2021). Professor, Dr. Clive Arthur Tudor Edwards (1925–2021): In Memoriam.. Megadrilogica. 26. 157–167.
Arancon, Norman Q., and Clive A. Edwards. "Effects of vermicomposts on plant growth." International Symposium Workshop on Vermitechnology. Philippines. 2005.
Jorge Domínguez (2023) State-of-the-Art and New Perspectives on Vermicomposting Research: 18 Years of Progress.
Barnes, Ailidh E et al. “Collation of a century of soil invertebrate abundance data suggests long-term declines in earthworms but not tipulids.” PloS one vol. 18,4 e0282069. 3 Apr. 2023, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0282069
I love history of scientific and engineering topics. This is a great little collection of who's who in the field leading up to today's vermiculture. Thanks for pulling this together Zack!