Mustard is being used to help monitor the state of farmland by making it easier to collect earthworm samples.

Scientists funded by the European Union are spreading a mix of water and mustard on fields in Leicestershire to force earthworms to the surface.

This will allow them to count the worms to judge the quality of the land and its use for farming.

The scheme is part of an experiment across Europe aimed at slowing soil erosion, preventing floods and reducing pollution.

The method is considered an eco-friendly than digging for samples or collecting them with the use of other chemicals.

Mike Lane, European project director, said: “The essence of the project is to preserve soil and water in the farmer’s field.

“These are two of the most precious commodities and one of the ways of seeing if a farmer has a healthy field is to look to see what the earthworm population is.”

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