The hypothesis that earthworms increase soil pH and decrease density was supported. Tests showed that soils with earthworms increased in pH from 7 to around 7, while control soils remained at pH 7. The density of soils with earthworms decreased as well. This is because earthworm digestive tracts produce molecules that act as natural buffers, and earthworms aerate the soil by leaving air pockets, increasing volume and decreasing density. Earthworms are known to regulate soil pH, density, and provide nutrients by adding calcium carbonate to soils, aerating soils, and producing nutrient-rich casts that provide favorable conditions for beneficial microbes.