![]() Wormy FACTS and Interesting Tidbits (By Rhonda Sherman). South African Journal of Zoology 23:161–165. The life-cycle of the compost worm Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta). Going on a worm hunt: Eisenia fetida, a stripy worm. THE SCIENCE OF VERMICULTURE: THE USE OF EARTHWORMS IN ORGANIC WASTE MANAGEMENT:25.Įisenia andrei specimen during the experiment. Bins must have a drainage system because the worms create castings which is the excrement from red wigglers and provides great nutrients to plants.Įdwards, C. Unlike traditional fertilizers, the castings (organic matter processed by the worms) will provide nutrients to plants without the danger of burning the roots. Other worms can be used for vermicomposting, but red wiggler worms are the most efficient in composting. What is vermicomposting Vermicomposting is a form of composting that uses worms (typically red wigglers, white worms and earthworms) to help break down organic matter. ![]() Compost bins should begin with about a thousand (1 lb.) red wiggler worms. Another tip to avoid fruit flies and odor is to be sure to always bury your food. Rotting food can attract fruit flies and cause a bad odor. If you add too much food for your worms they will not be able to eat it before it rots. Nearly any worm breeder who grows composting worms for sale sells this species, or at least intends to. Plan to feed your outdoor composting worms about once every 2 or 3 weeks. Eisenia Fetida can consume 25-35% of their body weight per day, so this type of composting works quite fast. Red wigglers, aka eisenia fetida, are the most common composting worm in the world. The compost does not need to be turned like other compost methods, and should be avoided or worms may perish. The environment needs to be kept moist, but an abundance of water should never be added, or the worms will drown. Bedding, such as shredded paper or other soft absorbent material, is needed for worms to thrive. Vermicomposting bins can be bought, but when homemade, it is important that they are dark in color (earthworms are sensitive to light), have holes for aeration, and a drainage system. ![]() Worms can be used as a compost method called vermicomposting. Composting is a great way to make use out of food and other organic waste.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |