Information AboutVermiculture |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT VERMICOMPOST | |
| composting | |
|
The earthworm species (or Composting worms) most often used are Red Wigglers ('' Eisenia Foetida '') or Red Earthworms ('' Lumbricus Rubellus ''). These species are only rarely found in soil and are adapted to the special conditions in rotting Vegetation , Compost and Manure piles. Composting worms are available from nursery mail-order suppliers or Angling shops where they are sold as bait. Small-scale vermicomposting is well suited to turn kitchen waste into high-quality soil, where space is limited. In addition to worms, a healthy vermicomposting system hosts many other organisms such as Insect s, Mold , and Bacteria . Though these all play a role in the composting process, the earthworm is the major catalyst for the composting process. BINS Vermicomposting bins vary drastically depending on the desired size of the system. Garden-scale containers can be made out of bricks arranged in the shape of a box. Bins for an apartment or similar dwelling can be anything from reused plastic buckets to purpose-built commercial containers. Small scale Small-scale systems may use a wide variety of bins. Often, small-scale composters build their own bins. Companies also sell such bins. Commonly, bins are made of old plastic containers, wood, Styrofoam containers, or metal containers. Some materials are less desirable than others in bin construction. Styrofoam is believed to release toxins into the earthworms' environment. Metal containers often conduct heat too readily, are prone to rusting, and may release heavy metals into compost. Bins should have holes in the sides to allow air to flow, and a spout that can be opened or closed or holes in the bottom to drain into a collection tray. Plastic bins require more drainage than wooden ones because they are non-absorbent. The design of a small bin usually depends on where an individual wishes to store the bin and how they wish to feed the worms. Most small bins can be grouped into three categories:
Large scale vermiculture Large-scale vermiculture systems are operated in one of two main methods. Some large systems use a Windrow , which consists of bedding materials for the earthworms to live in (see bedding below) and acts as a large bin; organic material is added to it. Although the windrow has no physical barriers to prevent worms from escaping, in theory they should not due to an abundance of organic matter for them to feed on. Often windrows are used on a concrete surface to prevent predators from killing the worm population. Another property of large scale windrows is that when fed on one side consistently a wave motion is generated over time. The second type of large-scale vermicomposting system is the raised bed or flow-through system. In these systems, the worms are fed an inch of "worm chow" across the top of the bed, and an inch of castings are harvested from below by pulling a breaker bar across the large mesh screen which forms the base of the bed. Because red worms are surface dwellers and are constantly moving towards the new food source, the flow-through system eliminates the need to separate worms from the castings before packaging. Flow-through systems are well suited to indoor facilities, making them the preferred choice for operations in colder climates. STARTING OFF When beginning a vermicomposting bin, put moist bedding into the bin, and add as many composting worms as available. In hot climates place the bin in the shade or away from midday direct sun. Quantities of kitchen waste appropriate for the worm population can be added to the bin daily or weekly. At first, feed the worms approximately one-half their body weight in kitchen scraps a day, maximum. That is, if you have 1 kg of worms, feed them about 1/2 kg of kitchen scraps a day. After they have established themselves, you can feed them up to their entire body weight. It is best not to add new food until the old food has been processed by the worms. BEDDING Bedding is the living medium for the worms but also a food source. It is material high in carbon and made to mimic dried leaves on the forest floor, the worms' natural habitat. The bedding should be moist (often similar to the consistency of a wrung-out sponge) and loose to enable the earthworms to breathe and to facilitate Aerobic decomposition. A wide variety of bedding materials can be used including newspaper, sawdust, hay, cardboard, burlap coffee sacks, Peat Moss , pre-composted (aged) manure, and dried leaves. Most vermicomposters avoid using glossy paper from newspapers and magazines, Junk Mail and shredded paper from offices, because they may contain toxins which would severely affect the system. Also some cardboard cannot be used if it contains wax or plastic, such as Cereal boxes, and other boxes designed to hold food items. Newspapers and phone books printed on regular, non-glossy pages are heavily regulated by the Food And Drug Administration (FDA) and use non-toxic Soy and Canola based Ink (see Soy Ink ). Some beddings are easier to use and add food scraps to than others. TEMPERATURE Worms used in composting systems prefer temperatures of 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (12-21 degrees Celsius ). The temperature of the bedding should not drop below freezing or above 85 °F (29 °C). KITCHEN WASTE Greens |
|
|