A recent paper on the importance of earthworms states, “earthworms contribute to roughly 6.5% of global grain (maize, rice, wheat, barley) production and 2.3% of legume production, equivalent to over 140 million metric tons annually.” The paper also states that, “less pronounced earthworm impacts in other regions are likely associated with low estimated earthworm abundance, higher rates of inorganic fertilizer use and/or soil properties that lessen the observed benefit of earthworm additions.” Pretty fascinating stuff. It’s hard to ignore the earthworm’s importance as well as biology’s importance in the soil. To see how these numbers were calculated, check out the paper in the comments.

95% or more of a plant’s dry matter consists of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen. Next in line is Nitrogen at 1-5%. That’s part of the reason why there is such a focus on N in the ag industry. But, does a crop desire Nitrogen purely? Not so much. 80-85% of total N in green plant material is in the form of a protein. 10% is found as nucleic acids and 5% is found as amino acids. Rajendra Prasad notes that, “the term protein is derived from a Greek word meaning ‘of first importance’ in life. Truly speaking protein is the physical expression of life.” Proteins can be grouped up by their functions which are: •Enzymes: responsible for moving all of life’s processes in plants and animals. •Transport Proteins: carry things from one place to another inside of plants (think nutrition). •Regulatory Proteins: control different parts of cellular function like reproduction and metabolism. •Structural Proteins: makes up the outer covering of the plant. Also crucial part of DNA and RNA. Source: Crop Nutrition, Prasad One of the most important Nitrogen compounds in the plant are chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. This is what carries out photosynthesis in the plant and what ultimately creates more WEOC (Water Extractable Organic Carbon). Most everything in crop management should come back to those two things: photosynthesis and WEOC. They go hand in hand and have a ripple effect on the whole plant-soil system.