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Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is a process that uses earthworms to turn organic wastes into nutrient-rich compost or fertilizer. It involves collecting organic materials, preparing a substrate for earthworms, and placing it in a container or bed for the earthworms to feed on. As they feed, the earthworms leave behind castings that are an excellent organic fertilizer or soil amendment. Vermicomposting can be done anywhere that has access to organic waste materials and water, and produces both vermicompost and additional earthworm biomass.

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Maan Pastor Mananzan
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852 views14 pages

Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is a process that uses earthworms to turn organic wastes into nutrient-rich compost or fertilizer. It involves collecting organic materials, preparing a substrate for earthworms, and placing it in a container or bed for the earthworms to feed on. As they feed, the earthworms leave behind castings that are an excellent organic fertilizer or soil amendment. Vermicomposting can be done anywhere that has access to organic waste materials and water, and produces both vermicompost and additional earthworm biomass.

Uploaded by

Maan Pastor Mananzan
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A Primer on VERMI Composting

What is vermi composting?


Vermi composting is the process of producing compost or organic fertilizer through the action of earthworms.

How is vermicomposting done?


With a suitable earthworm species such as the African Night Crawler (Eudrilus euginae), organic wastes from the farm, yard and household can be utilized for vermicomposting. The materials (e.g. leaves, grass cuttings, manures, kitchen-leftovers and vegetable trimmings) are first procured and processed before stocking the earthworms. A good mix of the materials or substrate is one that contains the proper proportion of cellulosic and nitrogenous components with fine texture and sufficient moisture to hasten decomposition. After a brief heating period, the earthworms are stocked in culture units such as boxes, bags or beds with the prepared substrate. The rate of vermicomposting is influenced by earthworm biomass and culture conditions. The more worms stocked, the faster the production of castings (earthworm manure). The culture units should be shaded and well drained.

Where can vermicomposting be done?


Vermicomposting is best done in places where waste materials and water are available or readily accessed. It can be done inside the house or in the yard and open field. The earthworm used in vermicomposting is not harmful to man and domestic animals.

What are the products derived from vermicomposting?


The main product derived from vermicomposting is vermicompost or earthworm castings. Worm biomass is a by-product of the process.

How is vermicompost used?


Vermicompost is used just like any organic fertilizer for ornamental plants and field crops. The amount of vermicompost applied depends on the plant to be fertilized and soil conditions. Plants grown for their leaves (e.g. pechay, mustard, cabbage, etc.) respond very well to high levels of vermicompost while fruit crops (e.g. tomato, eggplants, etc.) require less. Vermicompost is an excellent source of organic matter for potting mixes and nursery plants.

Some Facts about the Earthworm


Aristotle called the earthworms as the intestines of the earth. There are about 3,000 kinds of earthworms with a great of variety and color but only 6 are of commercial use: 1. Tiger worm 2. Eisenia foetida 3. African Night Crawler 4. Eudrilus Euginae 5. Asiatic worm 6. Pheretima Posthuma

The African Night Crawler has acclimatized well in the Philippines and are more commonly used species. Earthworms can be classified as: Real Earthworms - burrow deeply - almost near impossible to culture - eat the soil - responsible for mixing the different layers of the soil - soil are in mounds - their poo is in mounds or middens Compost worms - live in the upper surface of the earth - eat the compost not the earth - their poo are granular but finer - it can be cultured

Characteristic of Compost Worm


It is a true hermaphrodite (it has both the male & the female organs but most species cannot impregnate itself. It needs a partner to become pregnant When two worms come together, they both get pregnant It is perfectly evolved so that if you put several species together in a worm bin, they do not cross breed It can produce (in a resultant cocoon/egg/ capsule) 2- 10 worms. One worm divided by 2 equals 1. Only the part where the vital organs are found will regenerate. The other half will die. It is hard working, unpaid, silent & efficient workers They eat their weight per day. There is no learning curve for them because they work as soon as they are born, all they ask for are good working, living and eating conditions.

STEPS IN VERMICOMPOSTING
The technology of vermicomposting is simple and can be easily understood. A flowchart describing the process is presented below.
Selection of Site Selection of Housing Type Preparation of Raw Materials

Maintenance of Worm Beds Harvesting

Decomposition Process Stage 1 Anaerobic Decomposition Stage 2 Aerobic Decomposition

Vermicomposting

Earthworm Biomass

Drying and Storage

Recycle

THE PROCESS
Gathering of Materials Preparation of Materials Anaerobic Decomposition (10-12 days) Aerobic Decomposition (30-35 days)

VERMICOMPOST

Earthworm Biomass

Market

On-farm use

Recycle

Vermimeal Production

Uses of Vermicompost
Vermicompost is a high quality organic fertilizer containing up to 8% nitrogen, 0.7% phosphorus, 1% potash and trace elements. It can be used for replacing chemical fertilizer or in combination with it for vegetable and corn production. Advantage of Vermicompost Availability of raw materials Environment-friendly No imported inputs required Labor intensive (mechanization possible) Highly profitable

From VERMI Composting

SITIO NANGKA

SITIO REGLA

SITIO SAN ROQUE

SITIO LUBI

SITIO STO. NINO II

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