Vermiculture Technology - Essay Example

Vermiculture Technology Vermiculture Technology Vermiculture technology, also referred to as vermicomposting, worm humus, worm compost or worm casting is a technique of producing rich fertilizer from household wastes by using worms, bacteria and microbes as the decomposing agents (Beetz, 2008). It may also be considered from another dimension as the practice of rearing earthworms for the purpose of turning farm and household wastes into rich manure. The two species of worm used in this technology are the Lubricous rubeellus (Red earthworm) and Eisenia foetida (Red wigglers); these species are uniquely adapted to rotting conditions and are rarely found in the pure mineral soils (Graft, 2001).

However, a collection of warms with different feeding styles is preferred. This may include column feeders, burrowing feeders and surface feeders, which do not pose a competition for nutrients, but in the process compliments each other in the feeding process. How it worksThe worms work in a similar way as in natural decomposition pits; they disintegrate organic matter into small fragments. In the process, they breathe and promote fermentation of the nutrient content. A vermicompost also contains microbes, which aid in the decomposition process.

In the event that the materials are depleted, the worm poop and the content are ready for harvesting. How to practice vermicomposting techniqueThe technology is generally cheap and easy to practice for both large and small-scale farmers. The farmer needs to rear the worms in pits, about 3m deep. Broken bricks and earthwork are placed at the bottom to provide for good drainage, the base materials be then covered with a thin layer of cow dung. The materials to be decomposed are then introduced into the pit and water sprinkled to create a conducive environment for the worms.

Finally, the worms are introduced to initiate the process (Graft, 2001). Types of vermicomposting binsThe design of the bin majorly depends on where you want to store it and how you want to feed the worms. However, they can be grouped into three main categories as:Non-continuous- this type of bin involves placing the bedding materials at the base of the bin the adding materials to be decomposed in layers above each other. The worms will then feed on the materials uniformly up the bin. Its major disadvantage in that the entire content of the bin have to be emptied for harvesting.

Continuous vertical bin- A series of trays arranged vertically are used in this process. Materials in the order of bedding-worms-organic matter is placed in the bottom tray and finally sealed with a layer of rich bedding. When the worms are through with the content of the lower tray, they move upwards and the lower tray can be harvested. Continuous horizontal bins- the trays are arranged in a horizontal manner, the materials are then introduced into one side into the bin as in the vertical bins.

The bins are separated by chicken wire. After depletion of food on the first side, fresh organic matter is introduced into the other side of the bin, with time worms migrates to the side with more food and the other wing can be harvested. Vermiculture technology tipsIn hot or dry spells, keep the bins covered and add water if the moisture content goes down to ensure a favorable environment at all times. At first feeding, the worms should be fed on organic matter half their total body weight thereafter they can be fed on feed equal to their total body mass.

Rodents and flies, which may act as pest should be kept off by using sealed bins. However, certain materials such as flesh attracts these pests hence by avoiding such materials they can be kept away. If the compost is observed to be sinking, this means that there is too much greens/vegetables in the mixture hence high carbon materials (browns) needs to be added while ensuring proper ration of one part nitrogen to thirty parts carbon. It is advisable that new materials are added only after the depletion of the old ones.

Benefits of vermicompostingWorms use a small percentage of the organic nutrients for their own metabolic activities, hence increased nutrient levels in vermicomposting than in hot or cold composting. Worm mucous, which are released as the worms deposit their castings are helpful in binding the nutrients to mineral particles so that they are not leached ways. Vermicomposting also hosts microbial that converts soil nutrients into plant available forms.ReferencesBeetz, Alice (2008): Worms for composting (vermicomposting); ATTRA-National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, Livestock Technical Note, June 1999.Graff, O. (2001): Preliminary experiment of vermicomposting of different waste materials using Eudrilus eugeniae Kingberg; In: M.

Appelhof (ed.) Proc. of the workshop on ‘Role of Earthworms in the Stabilization of Organic Residues’; Malanazoo Pub. Michigan, USA.; pp.179-191.