How Quicklime Affects Earthworm Activity in Gardens
Quicklime, or calcium oxide, is a powdery white alkaline compound that reacts violently with water. Gardeners sometimes spread it to “sweeten” acidic soil, yet few realize it can decimate earthworm populations within hours. A single handful can raise the pH of a spadeful of moist loam from 6.0 to 12.4, turning the habitat into a…