Question

The results of this experiment show that plants grow more in soil containing worms than in soil without worms.

Which factors below helped the plants grow taller? Check all that apply.

Worms help move nutrients toward the roots of plants.

Worms produce nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are essential for plants to grow.

Worms create tunnels that allow the soil to absorb more water.

Answer 1

All three statements helped the plants grow taller:

- Worms help move nutrients toward the roots of plants — their burrowing and mixing of soil carries organic material and nutrients down to root zones.
- Worms produce nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are essential for plants to grow — worm castings contain mineralized nutrients (including nitrogen) that plants can use.
- Worms create tunnels that allow the soil to absorb more water — their tunnels increase soil porosity and water infiltration, improving water availability to roots.