VERMICULTURE AND VERMICOMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY
J.L. Adorada, E.M. Buctuanon, L.G. Villegas, and C.M. Bondad Significance Vermiculture and vermicomposting are simple environment-friendly technologies that support the governments objectives in sustainable agriculture and waste management. The vermicomposting technology performed well in producing organic fertilizer because of the presence of beneficial microorganisms and most of the essential elements needed by crops. Earthworm production, on the other hand help in reducing the volume of waste and organic garbage and turning it into rich soil amendment. It also recycles city and rural wastes, thus producing quality organic fertilizer for all types of plants. Additional income can also be derived from sales of excess earthworms produced. Major buyers of earthworms include tropical fish breeders, love bird keepers, sport fishing fanatics, organic chicken producers and others. Advantages 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Faster compost production compare to conventional methods Naturally odor-free Compost will not burn a plant even at high dosage Conversion of plant debris into readily-available water-soluble nutrients Increase in the amount of nutrients and minerals in the soil by as much as 10 times the value of the plant debris present. 6. Year-round production of compost General Procedure Vermibins (Fig. 1) This is a 2-meter long, 1-meter wide and 1-foot high rectangular box made up of plastic sheet and bamboo/wood/iron bars used to house the earthworms. Vermibins should be placed under shade with readily available water and farm wastes. Substrate (earthworm feed) The substrate is a combination of 75:25 percent ratio of farm waste and ipil-ipil/kakawate leaves, respectively. Farm wastes include grasses, peanut, corn stalks, sweet potato and coco coir dust/ saw dust. Substrate should be chopped,
mixed and watered before undergoing anaerobic decomposition for one month. Low temperature and appearance of wild mushrooms will indicate that the anaerobic decomposition is through. Stocking the earthworms This is the start of the aerobic decomposition that will last for 1 month. The anaerobically decomposed substrate will be stocked with earthworms for vermicompost production. To have a good earthworm status and vermicompost, water the stock once or twice a day to create favorable condition and always cover the vermibins as protection from rodents, birds, chicken and dogs. Harvesting of vermicompost iThe appearance of black granules at the top and sides of the substrate mound indicates the start of vermicompost harvesting. Air dry the harvested vermicompost at 30% moisture. The earthworms can be re-stocked or just allowed to crawl to another prepared mound of substrate by placing it side by side with the old mound. Factors to consider in mass production of earthworms 1. Monthly separation of stocked breeder earthworms- This promotes uniform production as to sizes and weight which is essential in fresh feeding. 2. Amount of substrate (feed) Since earthworms eat its weight daily, the amount or volume of substrate given daily should be proportional to the number of earthworms stocked. 3. Number of earthworms Stock a reasonable number of earthworms to make mating possible at least once a week for higher production. 4. Age of stocked earthworms- Older earthworms lay more capsule (with 3-5 eggs) than the newly sexually matured earthworms. If 170 earthworms are stocked, approximately 4,514 offspring can be produced which ois equivalent to 1,074.76% increase in number. 5. Location of vermibins The ideal temperature in vermibins is 23 C, thus it should be placed under shade. Earthworms are 80% water and 20% solid making them intolerable in hot conditions.
6. Earthworms are 64% protein They are nutritious live feed for fish (tilapia, lapu-palu), eel, crabs, prawn, chicken, ducks and birds. They can also be processed into vermimeal. Important considerations in vermicomposting 1. Grasses (for substrates) should be at the vegetative stage to promote quicker decomposition and a palatable feed for earthworms. 2. Watering is necessary when only about 10 drops of water are squeezed out from the substrate during anaerobic and aerobic decomposition. 3. Substrate must be soft and tender to facilitate its proper decomposition. 4. The more earthworms are stocked, the faster the production of vermicompost. 5. Substrate with high dry matter content are ideal for higher vermicompost recovery. Recovery of vermicompost is 30-50%. 6. Vermicompost can be applied like organic fertilizers for seeds and transplanted seedlings. Estimated cost of materials for vermicomposting Cost per kilogram of earthworm = Unit price per wormbin = (cost per 20 feet of iron bar = P150.00) (cost per meter of plastic sheet = (200.00) Cost of bolo and scythe = Cost of plastic sprinkler = P 700.00 350 .00 300.00 75.00 ____________ P 1,425.00
Fig.1. Vermibin
Steel frame
Earthworm & Substrate
1 ft.
2m
1m
Colored Plastic Sheet (cover)
Colored Plastic Sheet (mat)
Open to facilitate aeration
