How do earthworms improve soil quality?

Earthworms improve soil quality by aerating and mixing it as they burrow. Their tunnels allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper layers, benefiting plant roots. Earthworms also consume organic matter, breaking it down into nutrient-rich castings that enhance soil fertility. Their activity helps decompose plant debris, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Healthy soils with abundant earthworms are more productive and better equipped to retain water, reducing erosion and improving plant growth.