As reported by Lao Dong Newspaper, on October 5 and 6, in Thanh Long Commune, Ham Yen District (Tuyen Quang), a phenomenon of a series of earthworms covering the surface of melon fields occurred, causing panic among the people.
The initial cause was determined to be due to people using large quantities of composted chicken manure and nylon bags to cover melon fields, causing heat generation and reducing air in the soil, forcing earthworms to come to the surface of the field.
Local authorities and functional agencies are guiding people on some measures to initially overcome the above situation.
On October 8, speaking with reporters, Ms. Nguyen Thi Tam - Chairman of Thanh Long Commune People's Committee - said that until this morning, earthworms still appeared on the surface of the field, but the number was not large.
Ms. Tam said that as soon as the above phenomenon occurred, the authorities stepped in to conduct an inspection and provide solutions, and guide people in initial handling.
Accordingly, the locality has instructed and trained people to compost fertilizer (chicken manure) with microorganisms and recommended not to use a large amount of fertilizer to fertilize plants at once but to divide it into many stages with appropriate amounts.
On the other hand, for nylon bags covering beds, the locality instructs people to punch holes and raise them above the ground to help the soil dissipate heat and limit the lack of air in the soil.
"We continue to monitor. The worms still appear on the ground but have decreased a lot, now there are only a few left.
This is a normal phenomenon, not like the information being spread and rumored on social networks. After being informed and explained, local people feel secure in their production," said Ms. Tam.