Vermiculture

Written by: Dayana Futtingah

What is vermiculture?

Vermiculture, also known as worm farming is the cultivation of earthworms, especially to use them to turn organic waste into fertilizer.

Benefits of vermiculture:

▪Worm casting is an organic form of highly concentrated, nutrient-packed fertilizer produced from earthworms, that you can use for your garden and house plants.

▪Earthworms have been shown to increase seed dispersal.

▪Worms can reduce all bacteria that are pathogenic to animals and people.

▪ Retain water and all minerals in the soil.

▪No need to use chemicals.

▪Worms also help plants grow better, since plant roots require oxygen and worm tunnels provide passages for the air to get next to the roots deep in the ground.

How it works?

1/An friendly living environment, usually called “bedding”

2/A food source

3/Sufficient moisture (greater than 50% water content by weight)

4/Sufficient aeration

5/Protection from climate changes

▪This is done inside a container, often called a worm farm, maintained at a moderate temperature. A vermicomposting bin is a self-contained ecosystem ventilated by small holes and drained through the bottom. A well-established and balanced worm farm will produce a constant amount of fresh compost as food waste is processed through it.