Low Budget Stackable Vermiculture: make your own organic fertilizer!

1. Feed the worms half of their body weight in food scraps per day (about a quarter pound of food for my system) by burying it in their bedding
2. Once their bedding has converted to about 80% worm castings add tray with fresh bedding on top of the current one
3. Continue adding food to the top tray and wait as the worms finish up the last of the food in the bottom tray and move up into the new tray in search of new food
4. Harvest the pure worm castings from the bottom tray!

woodsmaneh! said:

You can use up to 20% by volume and it last 1 to 2 years in your soil. It is the best stuff in the world. what will it do you ask...

Worm Castings

Worm castings (worm compost) are a rich, all-natural source of organic matter with lots of nutrients and moisture-holding capabilities. Earthworm castings are known to have an extraordinary effect on plant life. Castings improve the soil structure and increase fertility making them the most enriching soil conditioner available.

Worm compost is an excellent fertilizer and soil amendment. Like compost tea, worm castings feeds both the plants and the soil. It is an all-natural & organic product that has been demonstrated to improve soil microbial activity, improve soil structure and tilth, conserve water, increase drought resistance, and improve overall health of plants. Worm castings are also an effective way to reduce damage by white flies, aphids and spider mites & any pest that feeds on plant juices. According to recent studies, applying worm compost to the soil around your plants increases the production of a certain enzyme that is offensive to these insects. In addition, because many plant pests seek out plants that are out of balance (such as those artificially fed with liquid fertilizers that can create a nutrient imbalance), worm compost can prevent your garden or houseplants from attracting nuisance pests. Worm compost is a great source of balanced calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphates and potash.
Worm castings may be used as a top dressing (that is, applied directly to the soil in a 1/2 inch to 1 inch layer). When you water, the nutrients filter down to the roots of your plants. For potted plants, use use about 1/3 castings to 2/3 potting soil (new or repotting). Yes, you just place it right along side your plants. Alternatively, you can dig it into the soil for plants that are being transplanted or when preparing garden beds.
Earthworm castings provide many special benefits beyond what farmers or gardeners can expect from just manure or compost. In fact, most specialists recommend that castings be used as a top dressing or supplement. In this way, castings help make the most effective use of all your bulk soil amendments. "A little goes a long way" because the benefits of castings are so concentrated.
In nature, composting worms tend to be highly localized, thriving in pockets of highly enriched, organic materials. They will consume a great variety of organic wastes and excrete "worm castings" a highly valued soil conditioner. Composting worms also tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, which helps explain their adaptability.

Here are the results of research conducted by leading researchers around the world:

· "Scientific studies show that worm-worked composts have better texture and soil-enhancing properties; hold typically higher percentages of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous; and may offer plants disease-fighting properties." [Edwards, 1988].

· "Earthworm excreta (castings) are an excellent soil-conditioning material with a high water holding capacity and a natural time release' for releasing nitrogen into the soil." [Harris, et. al., 1990].

· "Vermicompost (castings) is a finely divided peat like material with excellent structure, porosity, aeration, drainage and moisture-holding capacity." [Dominguez, et. al., 1997]

· "Among the blessings of castings, vermiphiles count a smaller particle size than thermophilic compost, lower odor, enhanced microbial activity, and as a bonus, the vermicompost often contains worm cocoons, meaning a free work force for the future." [Riggle and Holmes, 1994]

· "Through vermicomposting the humic substances showed an increase of 40 to 60 percent which was higher than the value obtained for the composting process." [Dominguez, 1997]

· "An important feature is that during the processing of the wastes (manure) by earthworms, many of the nutrients they contain are changed to forms more readily taken up by plants, such as nitrate nitrogen, exchangeable phosphorus and soluble potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The most surprising result [of our research] was that even 5% of worm-worked animal waste in the worm-worked waste/commercial mixture had a significant effect on the growth of plants." [Edwards and Lofty, 1977]

· In a study for the EPA, researchers reported, "Passage of organics through the earthworm's gut significantly alters the physical structure of the material. Large particles are broken down into numerous smaller particles, with a resultant enormous increase in surface area. As a result of the increase in surface area, any remaining odor-producing sulfides are completely oxidized, microbial respiration is accelerated by a factor of 3, and Salmonella bacteria are destroyed at a higher rate" [Camp, Dresser and Mckee, 1980],

· "The results obtained for the germination index showed a beneficial effect of earthworms and the highest values of this index were recorded at the final stages of the process. The germination index was 65 to 70 percent higher in the treatments with earthworms than in the control (no earthworms)." Regarding heavy metals: "We found a decrease of between 35 percent and 55 percent of the bioavailable metals in two months." [Dominguez, 1997]

· "By shredding organic matter and contributing nitrogen, earthworms stimulate microbial decomposition. Soil microorganisms live in the worm's gut as well as the surrounding soil and so the microbial content of casts is usually more concentrated than in surrounding soil. Microbial activity in casts improves soil structure by encouraging aggregation of particles. Microbial secretions (gums) and growth of fungal hyphae stabilize the worm cast. Worm-worked soil is relatively water-stable and will resist soil compaction and run-off due to rains." [Edwards and Lofty, 1977]

· "In sum, earthworms must be seen not as a 'miracle pill,' a panacea for better soil and crop yields, but as an integral part of intelligent organic soil management practices. As earthworms are dependent upon organic matter for food, and mulches for protection from heat cold, and drought, so do growing plants depend upon the earthworm, in combination with bacteria and other microorganisms, to maintain and improve soil structure and fertility. When earthworms are seen as part of a living soil, existing in and contributing to a vital ecosystem, then the question of "whether earthworms create good soil, or good soil creates earthworms" becomes essentially meaningless. Our aim is to improve our soils and grow higher yields of healthy crops, not to banter about academic questions. In this pursuit, the earthworm has-beyond doubt-found a treasured place in the organic scheme of gardening and farming." [Minnich, 1977]

References
Buchanan, M.A., et. al., "Chemical Characterization and Nitrogen Mineralization Potentials of Vermicomposts Derived from Differing Organic Wastes," Earthworms in Waste and Environmental Management, The Hague, Netherlands, SPB Academic Publishing, 1988.
Camp, Dresser, McKee, lnc~, Compendium on Soild Waste Management by Vermicomposting, Cincinnati, OH, Municipal Environmental Research Lab, EPA, 1980.
Dominguez, Jorge; '”esting the Impact of Vermicomposting," BioCycle, April 1997.
Dominguez, Jorge; Edwards, Clive; and Subler, Scott; "A Comparison of Vermicomposting and Composting," BioCycle, April 1997.
Edwards, Clive, "Historical Overview of Vermicomposting," Biocycle, June 1995.
Edwards, Clive, ed., "Breakdown of Animal, Vegetable and Industrial Organic Wastes by Earthworms" Earthworms in Waste and Environmental Management, The Hague, Netherlands, SPB Academic Publishing, 1988.
Edwards, Clive, and Lofty, J.R., Biology of Earthworms, Chapman and Hall, London, 1977.
Frank, Richard, et. al., "Metal Transfer in Vermicomposting of Sewage Sludge and Plant Wastes," Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol, 1983.
Haimi, J. and Huhta, V., "Capacity of Various Organic Residues to Support Adequate Earthworm Biomass for Vermicomposting," Biology and Fertility of Soils, Spring-Summer, 1986.
Harris, George, et al., "Vermicomposting in a Rural Community," Biocycle, Jan.1990.
Loehr, Raymond, et. al., Waste Management Using Earthworms: Engineering and Scientific Relationships (final project report), Washington, DC, National Science Foundation, 1984.
Minnich, Jerry, The Earthworm Book, Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA, 1977.
Riggle, David and Holmes, Hannah, "New Horizons for Commercial Vermiculture," BioCycle, October.
Scott, Margaret, "The Use of Worm-Digested Animal Waste as a Supplement to Peat in Loam less Com posts for Hardy Nursery Stock," Earthworms in Waste and Environmental Management, The Hague, Netherlands, SPO Academic Publishing, 1988.

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woodsmaneh! said:

one more

What are Worm Castings? Worm Castings are Mother Nature’s soil enrichment of choice. This rich humus-like digested output of the worm includes a wide range of nutrients and microbial life that all types of vegetation require to grow. Worm Castings are one of the most natural soil enrichments available and more importantly are environmentally friendly, all natural, easy to use, and safe to handle, with a pleasant earthy aroma.

What do Worm Castings do? Worm Castings restore soil health in many ways.
· A source of organic matter with lots of nutrients a nd moisture-holding capacity. Worm
Castings hold 9 times their weight in moisture, which is beneficial in drought
conditions .
· Adds active microbial life to the soil, allowing it to slowly release and make the
valuable nutrient and trace minerals more available to tender plant roots.
· Rich in growth hormones and vitamins, and acts as a powerful biocide against
diseases and nematodes.
· A natural aerator, allowing oxygen to permeate the root zone to improve drainage and
encourage root growth.
· Restores soil without fear of burning or harming tender plant life.
Restoring the soil makes nutrients more available to crops, turf applications and desired
vegetation. This means there is less need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Best of all, Worm Castings contain no toxins and are therefore safe to use without fear of ground water contamination.

How are Worm Castings different from Compost?
Worm Castings are significantly better than compost. They are the result of carefully selected compost that is fully digested by worm. This makes Worm Castings an entirely mature product. It contains no pathogenic agents, and is considered a biological product which is convenient to handle. Worm Castings contain a far more diverse microbial population than other composts. These micro-organisms play an important part in soil fertility. Not only do they mineralize complex substances into plant-available nutrients, but bacteria in the worm’s digestive system also synthesize a whole series of biologically active substances including plant growth hormones.

How do Worm Castings work?
Worm Castings are an all-purpose natural soil enrichment that is pure earthworm castings. It is 100% non-toxic and odourless. It is the product of aerobically composted vegetable scraps fed to earthworms, and free from weed seeds, toxins and pathogens.

WORM CASTINGS

Worm Castings improve Soil Structure in all Soil Types
Worm Castings restore soil structure. The term “soil structure” is used to describe the way soil particles are grouped into aggregates. Soil structure is affected by biological activity, organic matter, and cultivation and tillage practices. Soil fertility and structure are closely related. An ideal soil structure is often described as granular or crumb-like. It provides for good movement of air and water through a variety of different pore sizes. Plant roots extend down, and soil animals – including small earthworms – travel through the spaces between the aggregates. An ideal soil structure is also stable and resistant to erosion. The clay-humus complex, in combination with adequate calcium which helps to bind the aggregates together, forms the basis of this structure. The glutinous by-products of soil bacteria and the hair-like threads of actinomycetes and fungi mycelium add to soil stability. All tillage operations change soil structure. Excessive cultivation, especially for seedbed preparation, can harm soil structure. Working clay soil when wet leads to compaction and subsequent soil puddling. The soil is easily puddled by rain, easily eroded, and will have poor aeration. Tillage, when too dry, shatters the aggregates. Soil structure can be enhanced by careful cultivation, growing sod crops and returning crop residues. Worm Castings (organic matter) and the humification process improve structural stability, and can rebuild degraded soil structures. Therefore it is vital to return organic material to the soil and to maintain its biological activity, which helps to improve the soil structure.

How Worm Castings work with Soil pH
Worm Castings act like a buffer for plants. Where soil pH levels are too high or low, Worm Castings make soil nutrients available again to the plant. Compared to the soil itself, Worm Castings are much higher in bacteria, organic material and available nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

WORM CASTINGS

Soil Biology
Soil organisms play an important role in forming and stabilizing soil structure. In a healthy soil ecosystem, fungal filaments and exudates from microbes and earthworms help bind soil particles together into stable aggregates that improve water infiltration and protect soil from erosion, crusting and compaction. Macrospores formed by earthworms and other burrowing creatures facilitate the movement of water into and through soil. Good soil structure enhances root development, which further improves the soil.
Restoring soil structure helps reduce runoff and improve the infiltration and filtering capacity of soil. In a healthy soil ecosystem, soil organisms reduce the impacts of pollution by buffering, detoxifying- and decomposing potential pollutants. Bacteria and other microbes are increasingly used for remediation of contaminated water and soil.
In a healthy soil ecosystem, soil biota regulates the flow and storage of nutrients in many ways. For example, they decompose plant and animal residue, fix atmospheric nitrogen, transform nitrogen and other nutrients among various organic and inorganic forms, release plant available forms of nutrients, mobilize phosphorus, and form mycorrhizal (fungus -root) associations for nutrient exchange. Even applied fertilizers may pass through soil organisms before being utilized by crops. A relatively small number of soil organisms cause plant disease. A healthy soil ecosystem has a diverse soil food web that keeps pest organisms in check through competition and predation. Some soil organisms release compounds that enhance plant growth or reduce disease susceptibility. Plants may exude specific substances that attract beneficial organisms
or repel harmful ones, especially when they are under stress from activities such as grazing.

Microbial Activity

Worm Castings stimulate microbial activity. Although earthworms derive their nutrition from microorganisms, many more microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) are present in their feces or casts than in the organic matter that they consume. As organic matter passes through their intestines, it is fragmented and inoculated with microorganisms. Increased microbial activity facilitates the cycling of nutrients from organic matter and their conversion into forms readily taken up by plants.
Compared to synthetic fertilize r formulations, Worm Castings contain relatively low
concentrations of actual nutrients, but they perform important functions, which the synthetic formulations do not. They increase the organic content and consequently the water-holding capacity of the soil. They improve the physical structure of the soil, which allows more air to get to plant roots. Where organic sources are used for fertilizer, bacterial and fungal activity increases in the soil. Mycorrhizal fungi, which make other nutrients more available to plants, thrive in soil where the organic matter content is high.

Water Availability
Worm Castings contain a high percentage of humus. Humus helps soil particles form into clusters, which create channels for the passage of air and improve its capacity to hold water. The castings are in the form of tiny pellets which are coated with a gel. This crumb-like structure helps improve drainage and aeration.

Balancing Soil Nutrient
The ability of the microbiologically active Worm Castings to regenerate the nutrients from the atmosphere, organic matter and water allows them to replace those lost from chemical fertilizers by leaching, plant uptake and chemical reactions. In relation to moisture holding capacity and improvement of soil structure, chemical fertilizers have negligible effect, as they primarily consist of water-soluble salts. On the other hand, the aggregate nature of the Worm Castings has appreciable water holding capacity, and its use leads to restored soil structure and increases nutrient reserves in soil. The presence of nitrogen fixing bacteria in Worm Castings means that nitrogen can be fixed
from the atmosphere and converted to plant soluble nitrates. Worm Castings are rich in humus, which contains essential plant nutrients and micronutrients. Moreover, these castings are also rich in vitamins, beneficial microorganisms, antibiotics and enzymes.
Worm Castings restore soil, will not wash out with watering, and will not burn even delicate plants. Worm castings have a very soil-like texture and all the necessary nutrients that plants, crops and all types of vegetation require. The castings slowly release nutrients when required by the plants. Castings are high in soluble nitrogen, potash, potassium, calcium, magnesium and many other trace elements. Worm Castings allow plants to quickly and easily absorb all essential nutrients and trace elements. Because the earthworm grinds and uniformly mixes the nutrients and trace elements into simple forms (1 to 2 microns), plants need only minimal effort to absorb these nutrients.
SUGGESTED APPLICATION RATES
Potted Plants, Seeds, Seed Flats · Use 1 part Worm Castings to 3 parts potting soil mix
Potted Plans, Window Boxes, Hanging Baskets (established)
· Add 1 to 2 inches of Worm Castings to top of soil
· Mix in, taking care not to damage shallow roots
· Water well
· Repeat every 2 to 3 months
Lawns
(established)
· Use Worm Castings as a top dress at 10 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.
· Apply twice a year – in spring and once again in late fall
Lawns
(new)
· Apply 10 lbs. of Worm Castings to 1000 sq. ft.
· Work lightly into topsoil
· Mix in grass seed
· Cover with shredded straw and keep watered
Roses, Trees, Bushes, Berries
(new or freshly transplanted)
· Mix 1 part Worm Castings to 3 parts soil
· Surround newly dug hole with mixture
· In the hole, spread root over a mound of the mix, and cover
Bushes · Use 5 lbs. of Worm Castings per 10 Bushes
Perennials · Work ½ cup of Worm Castings into the soil above root zone,
taking care not to damage the shallow roots
· Apply in spring, early summer, and fall
Tables and Annual Flowers · Line bottom and sides of plant holes/seed furrows with
1 to 2 inches of Worm Castings
· Set plants/seeds in place and cover with soil
During the growing season, side dress once every 2 months at a
rate of ½ cup per plant or 1 cup per linear foot of row
Gardens · Apply 5 lbs. of Worm Castings per square foot
Note: The release time for nutrients is around 4 months for continual release of nutrients.
Repeat application is recommended at 4 month intervals.
Application rates may vary depending on soil test results.

Worm castings vs. Chemical fertilizers in Soil1
Criteria for Comparison Chemical Fertilizers Worm Castings
Macro Nutrient Contents
Mostly contains only one (N in urea) or at the most two (N & P in DAP)
nutrients in any one type of chemical fertilizer
Contains all nutrients in sufficient
quantities, i.e., nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)
Secondary Nutrient Contents
Not Available
Calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn) and sulphur (S) are available in required quantities
Micro Nutrients Contents
Not Available
Zinc (Zn), boron (B), manganese, (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and chorine (Cl)
are also present
pH balancing
Distorts soil pH, which creates saline and alkaline conditions
Helps control soil pH and corrects the salinity and alkalinity in soil
EC Correction
Creates imbalance in soil EC, affecting nutrients assimilation
Helps balance the EC to improve plant nutrient adsorption
Organic Carbon
Not Available
Very high organic carbon and humus contents improve soil characteristics
Moisture Retention Capacity
Reduces moisture retention capacity of the soil
Increases moistures retention capacity of the soil
Soil Texture
Damages soil texture to reduce aeration
Improves soil texture for better aeration
Beneficial Bacteria and Fungi
Reduces biological activities and thus the fertility is impaired
Very high biological life improves the soil fertility and productivity on sustainable basis
Plant Growth Hormones
Not Available
Sufficient quantity helps in better growth and production
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