Vermiculture Worm Composting Vermiculture: the process of using - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Vermiculture Worm Composting

Vermiculture: the process of using worms to turn your household and kitchen waste into compost.

Three Methods of Composting Cold Compost – not actively worked Hot Compost – actively worked – tumbled or stirred Worm Compost – cold compost that is actively worked - stirred

All 3 types of composting: Use micro-organisms to break down material Require moisture Can be done outdoors

Worm compost: Combination of worm castings (poop), decomposed organic matter that didn’t pass through the worm and partially decomposed organic matter that is still somewhat recognizable. It contains 5 times the nitrogen, 7 times the phosphate and 10 times the pot ash than other types of compost. It has 1 ½ times more calcium than average top soil.

Worm composting advantages: • Less time required to manage • Very high humus content • Contains slow release natural fertilizers • Concentrated water soluble nutrients that plants can use immediately • Produces compost quicker

Worm composting advantages (cont.): • Helps bring soil particles together • Enhance disease resistance • Encourages strong and healthy root systems • Produces strong healthy plants and crops • Greater water absorption and holding capacity

Worm facts:  Over 4,400 species of worms in the world  Originated in Asia , Europe and Middle East. Later introduced to Africa and the Americas  Can be found in all climates except for the harshest deserts and artic regions  Many are hermaphrodites – have both male and female parts – but still mate  Average population per acre in US is 53,767

Red Wriggler Worms

Red Wrigglers  Disintegrate when they die adding more nutrients to the compost  Ferocious eaters. Can eat ½ their body weight every day. If you start with one pound of worms you need to feed them 3 ½ pounds of food per week  In confinement they can live up to 4 years and can grow up to 3 inches long  Can live in a wide range of temperature but are happiest from 40 to 80 degrees  Happy worms reproduce quickly in confinement. Their population may double or even triple in one year  Watermelon is their favorite food but will eat anything organic except for citrus, dairy and meat

Managing a worm compost bin 1. Feed them 50% green (nitrogen) and 50% brown (carbon) foods 2. Carbon to nitrogen ratio ranging from 25:1 to 30:1 is the dividing line between green and brown foods 3. Greens: fruits, vegetables, pasta, crackers, coffee grounds 4. Browns : newspaper, cardboard, dried leaves from deciduous trees, junk mail, coconut coir 5. No grass clippings because they produce too much heat 6. Feed them extra before a long trip – 2 to 3 weeks 7. Moisture should be 60 to 75% 8. Ideal Ph level is 6-7 or neutral

Thank you!