July 25, 2007 - Mumbai (Bombay), India

"The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery. There is always more mystery."
~ Anais Nin

Daily, I am challenged by the teaching methodology in India. At a presentation on Global Warming, it was stated that Earthworm Composting is a major contributing factor to the depletion of the ozone layer due to the high levels of Nitrogen released into the atmosphere.

I have done a great deal of research on this information and have yet to find a reputable source stating Earthworm Composting has a negative effect.

In North America, earthworms died out during the last Ice Age, 10,000 years ago, but were reintroduced in the 1500's during British Colonization. Currently, there are problems in Minnesota with the rapid decomposing of leaves on forest floors, causing over-exposure to root systems, thus threatening the trees. However, no direct link to air quality.

The misconceptions throughout Indian society continues to arise and I wonder if this is just another example. It should be noted that the "Earthworm Composting, causing Global Warming" is taught in schools.