A Primer on A Primer on VERMI CompostingVERMI Composting

What is 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?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?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 What are the products derived from vermicomposting?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?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 EarthwormSome Facts about the EarthwormAristotle 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 commercialuse:

1. Tiger worm2. Eisenia foetida3. African Night Crawler4. Eudrilus Euginae5. Asiatic worm6. Pheretima Posthuma

The African Night Crawler has acclimatizedwell in the Philippines and are more commonlyused 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 WormCharacteristic 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 VERMICOMPOSTINGSTEPS IN VERMICOMPOSTINGThe 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

Decomposition Process Stage 1Anaerobic Decomposition Stage 2

Aerobic DecompositionMaintenance of Worm Beds

Harvesting

Vermicomposting

Drying and Storage Recycle

Earthworm Biomass

THE PROCESSTHE PROCESSGathering of Materials

Preparation of Materials

Anaerobic Decomposition (10-12 days)

Aerobic Decomposition (30-35 days)

VERMICOMPOST Earthworm Biomass

MarketVermimealProduction

Recycle On-farm use

Uses of VermicompostUses 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 From VERMI Composting

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