Vermicomposting Leaflet.pub - Agricultural Training Institute

b. Pick out any wigglers or worm eggs (small,
opaque cocoons and return them to the bin.
c. Sieve the harvested vermicompost to have a
finer finish product. For commercial production, air dry the vermicompost before packing and storing.
Vermimeal Production
References
Harvested “vermi” from the culture beds may
either be used for the next production cycle or made into
vermimeal through the following process:
1. Wash the worms thoroughly with clean flowing
water to remove dirt.
2. Kill the “vermin” by putting them in a basin with
warm water (40-60°C).
3. Dry under the sun until brittle.
4. Grind dried worms manually or through a grinder
into meal form.
5. Store in sealed polyethylene bags with proper
label and store in cool dry place.
Guerrero, Rafael D. III 2004. Hanbook of Vermicompost & Vermimeal Production and Utilization. Aquatic Biosystems,. Bay, Laguna, Philippines.
Sugar Regulatory Administration-LGAREC.2008. Vermicomposting
Sugarcane Trashes. La Granja, La Carlota City, Philippines
EntrePinoys Atbp.2006. Backyard Production of Earthworms
(Vermiculture)
Printed by:
Department of Agriculture
AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
Regional Training Center XII
San Felipe, Tantangan, South Cotabato
Tel. No. (083)229-1024 Fax: (083)229-1024
Email: [email protected]
Banana Trashes
Vermicomposting
Steps
in
Ve r m i c o m p o s t i n g
1. P r e p a r a t i o n
of
substrate.
INTRODUCTION
Vermicomposting is the process of
producing organic fertilizer (vermicompost) from
biodegradable materials
through the action of
earthworms. It is an
environment-friendly
method of recycling
organic materials in the
farm and household such as plant residues and
animal manures.
Vermicompost improves soil texture and
enhances water-holding capacity of the soil. It may be
low in NPK but contains
essential nutrient (e.g.
calcium, magnesium,
manganese, copper, iron
and zinc) not found in
inorganic fertilizers.
Moreover, it has microbial
activities that promote plant health
and pest/disease resistance.
With the abundant source
of material in farms,
vermicomposting can help protect
the environment, promote and
sustain soil productivity and
generate livelihood opportunities
for rural families.
a.
Collect banana leaves
and stalks trashes and
animal manures i.e. chicken
dung, carabao/cow manure.
b. Chop leaves and stalks
finely. Chopping help speed
up decomposition by
increasing the surface area
available for microbial
action and providing better
aeration.
c. Mix chopped materials
with chicken dung or
carabao/cow manure at a
ratio of 7:3 or 70% trashes
and 30% animal manure as
s o u r c e o f n it r o ge n.
2. Pre-composting activities
Pile the substrate in a bed measuring 1 x 5 meters or
larger with wooden or concrete sidings. Compost pile is 2
ft. high. Water is added to increase moisture to at least 50
-70%. Place the compost bed in a shady area with access to
water supply. A canopy is recommended to protect the
beds from direct sunlight and heavy rains.
Wooden Bed
Concrete Bed
The substrate usually heats up in 24-48 hours which
marks the working of the composting process. In four
weeks time, the temperature drops and it is now ready
for the stocking of earthworms.
3. Stocking of earthworms
The “African Nightcrawlers”
(Eudrilus eugeniae), redworms or
red wigglers (Lumbricus rubellus)
and brandling worms (Eisenia Fetida)
are the earthworm species for the
production of vermicompost and
vermimeal. Stock about 2-3 kilos of African night
crawler earthworms per ton of substrate. The
earthworms placed on the top of the pile easily go
down into the substrate.
4. Care and Maintenance of
Beds
a. Water the bed regularly to
maintain the moisture content
of the pile (at least 60%)
b. Clean the surrounding area
regularly and check the
presence of natural enemies of earthworms like
chicken, birds, lizards, toads, ants, beetles,
centipedes, etc. Nets maybe used to enclose the
area.
5. Harvesting
a. Harvest the castings at
30-40 days after stocking of
e a r t h wo r m s. A t t his t i me
castings have been produced from
decomposed substrate and worms
at about 30% or less. Lay new
substrate beside the bed ready for
harvest so that worms will just
move to the new pile. Gathering
castings would be easier.