For an adequate diet, earthworms primarily need what type of material?

An adequate diet for earthworms primarily consists of organic matter that is rich in nutrients and allows for optimal digestion and growth. Crop residue is particularly beneficial for earthworms because it includes the remains of harvested plants, such as stalks and leaves, which provide a diverse diet and are sufficiently decomposed to be easily consumed.

The composition of crop residue often contains a variety of plant materials, thereby offering the earthworms the cellulose and other organic compounds they thrive on. These nutrients not only support the earthworms’ health but also play a vital role in soil health by promoting microbial activity as the earthworms break down the material.

Furthermore, while leaf litter, fruit scraps, and vegetable waste can be part of an earthworm's diet, crop residue is generally more consistent in its availability and composition, making it particularly suitable for sustaining earthworm populations and enhancing their beneficial role in soil ecosystems.