MAY

20

project on vermicomposting method

VERMICOMPOSTING: THE BEST METHOD OF FURTILIZATION

INTRODUCTION:
It is estimated that in India nearly 700 million tonnes of organic waste are
generated annually which is either burned or land filled.
The large amount of the agro waste generated from the market area
created the major environmental problems.
Vermicomposting is the best biotechnology to reduce the load on the
treatment and disposal of biodegradable agro waste.
In the present investigation, the study is carried out on the proper
utilization of agriculture waste from market yard through vermicomposting and
obtaining the nutrient rich organic manure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In market yard, large amount of agro waste (biodegradable) are available
such as-Sorghum and jowar straw (after feeding cattle), dry leaves of crops and
trees, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) stalks, groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) husk,
soybean (Glycine max) residues, vegetable wastes, weed (Parthenium), fibre
from coconut (Cocos nucifera) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) trashand
waste generated from the onion (Allium cepa) market.
1.Selection of earthworm species for vermicomposting process:
For composting we selected the African species of earthworms i.e.Eisenia
fetida (Photo plate1) and Eudrilus eugenae (Photo no. 2) which are efficient to
maintain vermicomposting process in India.
Eisenia fetida has a wide range of temperature tolerance and has very
high reproductive potential. It is less sensitive to density pressure &Eudrilus
eugeniae is found to be a very efficient species for culture maintenance in India.

Photo no.-1.Earthworms (Eisenia Fetida) used as culture fordecomposition

Photo no.-2 Earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) Used as Culture for

decomposition

2. Methodology used for vermicomposting:

The agro waste was collected from market area with the help of labours and
transported at the vermicompost project site by local vehicles.

Photo no-3: Construction of vermicomposting production

unit at the production site.

3.Initial steps for vermicomposting: Agro waste from market area transported at the vermicompost project
site. The waste is then segregated as biodegradable and non-biodegradable.
Biodegradable agro waste material is cut into small pieces by means of
cutter machine (Photo no.-3).
The biodegradable agro waste is allowed to its partial decomposition
for 10 to15 days for achieving better activity of earthworm and nutrient enriched
vermicompost production (Photo no.-4).
Partially decomposed agro waste material is arranged in layers at the
vermicompost project site.

Photo no.-3. Cutter machine used to cut agro waste

Photo no.-4. Pre-Digestion of the agro waste with cow dung slurry

4. Manufacturing process: Preparation method of vermicompost bed:

6 layer of partially biodegradable agro waste at the bottom of bed.1 layer
of cow dung slurry is applied on it to further decomposing of the agro waste for
15 to 20 days. After partial decomposition, cow dung slurry is covered by the 4
layer of Farm Yard Manure .Then sprinkle bacterial culture of PSB bacteria
having CFU minimum 5x107 Cell/g on it. We were selected earthworm species
(Photo no. 2 & 3) through the cracks developed.

Physico- chemical analysis of vermicompost:

The matured vermicompost samples were collected from each
vermicompost bed about 500 gm and kept in the polythene bag which is free
from adventitious contaminations. Each sample bags were labelled and sealed
air
tightly.

The object
of study is to analyse the physico- chemical characteristics of matured
vermicompost by standard methods as per the Fertiliser (Control) Order 1985.
Physical Parameters of vermicompost-

1. Particle size- Particle size of sample was 94.87% which passed through the
4.0 mm IS sieve.
2. Colour- The colour of vermicompost samples collected from the set (1) and
set (2) were black.
3. Odour- The foul odour were absent in vermicompost samples collected from
set (1) and set (2).
4. Bulk density (g/cm3) The bulk density ranged from the 0.8 to o.9.
5. Moisture percent by weight 23
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
Table No 1: Physico-chemical Characteristics of vermicompost set No.1.
(Bed No.1, 2 and 3 and their average).
Sr.No. Parameters
Bed no.1 Bed no.2 Bed no.3 Average
value in %
A
Physical Characteristics
1
Colour (dark brown toBlack
Black
Black
Black
black)
2
Odour
No Odour No Odour No
No Odour
Odour
3
Particle size (4 mm IS93.70
94.10
94.70
94.16
Sieve)
4
Moisture
20.50
22.80
19.50
20.94

Bulk Density(g/cm3)

0.88

0.89

0.90

0.89

B
1
2

Chemical Characteristics
pH
6.9
-1
Conductivity(ms cm )
3.50

7.0
3.45

6.9
3.37

6.93
3.44

3
4
5
6

Organic Carbon
Total Nitrogen
C/N ratio
Total Phosphorus (P2O5)

18.5
0.95
19.47
20.5

19.4
0.9
21.55
20.6

20.2
1.0
20.2
20.5

19.37
0.95
20.40

Potassium (K2O)

0.7

0.9

0.8

8
9

Calcium
Magnesium

5.4
0.2

5.9
0.3

5.7
0.25

5.67

Colour (dark brown toBlack

black)

Black

Black

Black

20.5
0.8

0.25
10
Sulphur
0.4
0.5
0.45
0.45
All parameter values are presented in percentage (%); except the electrical
conductivity, pH and bulk density.
Table No 2: Physico-chemical Characteristics of vermicompost set No.2.
( Bed No.1, 2 and 3 and their average).
Sr.No Parameters
Bed no.1 Bed no.2 Bed no.3 Average
value in %
A
Physical Characteristics

Odour

No Odour No Odour No Odour No Odour

3
4
5

Particle size (4 mm IS94.87

Sieve)
Moisture
24.30
Bulk Density(g/cm3)
0.88

Chemical Characteristics

1
2

pH
Conductivity(ms cm-1)

3
4
5
6

94.10

93.97

94.31

22.80
0.87

23.50
0.90

23.53
0.88

6.8
3.27

7.1
3.57

6.9
3.45

6.94
3.43

Organic Carbon
Total Nitrogen
C/N ratio
Total Phosphorus (P2O5)

23.0
0.95
24.21
17.7

21.2
0.9
23.55
17.8

20.50
0.98
20.91
17.8

21.56
0.94
22.89

Potassium (K2O)

0.75

0.82

0.89

8
9

Calcium
Magnesium

5.7
0.3

5.8
0.28

5.4
0.25

0.82
5.64

10

Sulphur

0.4

0.45

0.5

17.8

0.27

0.45
All parameter values are presented in percentage (%); except the electrical
conductivity, pH and bulk density.
Chart No.1.Represented the average values of parameters from set 1 and set2 and Total
average of both.

1.
2.

3.
4.

5.

6.

DISCUSSION
Physico-chemical characteristics of vermicompost produced Colour:
Dark black colour of vermicompost indicated that the decomposition of
agro waste successfully.
Odour: Absence of foul odour indicated that all parameters required for
composting process were present in optimum condition.
Bulk density: It is observed that bulk density of the soil increased. It is
indicates that vermicompost increased the porosity and bulk density of soil
improve the avaibility of nutrients to crop growth.
Moisture content: vermicompost addition caused a significant increase
of moisture content due to the more porosity addition to the soil.
Particle Size/porosity: The total porosity was improved by the use of
vermicompost. Greater porosity in the soil treated with vermicompost was due
to an increase in the amount of pores.
pH and Conductivity: The pH range between 6.93 which promotes the
availability of plant nutrients like NPK, so vermicompost should be applied in
soil. It is indicates that vermicompost improves the pH of soil and make
available the nutrient for the crop yield.
Organic Carbon: The deficiency in organic carbon reduces the storage
capacity of soil nutrients and reduction in soil fertility. The incorporation of
vermicompost with farm yard manure has been shown to increase

7.

8.

9.

organic carbon content in the soil. In present study organic carbon increased up
to 20.46% indicating it is beneficial for growth and productivity of crops.
Nitrogen: The availability of Nitrogen was also increased. Indicating
vermicompost may attribute the significant increase in nitrogen of the soil by
using vermiwash and vermicompost due to the presence of nitrogen fixing
bacteria, which increase the nitrogen content of the soil.
Total Phosphorus (as P2O5): In present investigation that the
vermicompost shows the 19.15% phosphorus as P2O5 in worms vermicast
which suggested that the passage of organic matter through the gut of worm
results in phosphorus (P) converted to forms which are more bio-available to
plants.
Total Potassium: The total average of potassium (K2O) was 0.81% in
vermicompost. Indicating nutrients N & P and the intestinal mucus excreted by
worms are further used by the microbes for multiplication and vigorous soil
remediation and fertility improvement action.
Note: Above result tables &discussion is not standard. It depends on tests. It
should be different according to environmental conditions.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Vermicomposting appears to be the most promising as high value biofertilizer which is not only increases the plant growth and productivity by
nutrient supply but also is cost effective and pollution free. Use of
vermicompost promotes soil aggregation and stabilizes soil structure. This
improves the air- water relationship of soil, thus increasing the water retention
capacity and encourages extensive development of root system of plants. The
mineralization of nutrients is observed to be enhanced, therefore results into
boosting up of crop productivity.
Vermicompost produced from the farm wastes is not only having
beneficial effects on soil health and growth, quality and yield of crop but also
playing vital role in eradication of pollution hazards.
It helped to reduce volume of agro waste and to generate additional
revenue.
The Problem of disposing the agro waste may be solved by
constructing such the vermicomposting production unit.
The agro waste converted in vermicompost which will earn economic
benefits.
No hazardous effluents are generated from a compost production unit
using agro wastes.
There are no pesticide residues, weed seeds, heavy metals, sand,
termite or wax, plant root diseases, etc. Vermicompost can be used for all crops
agricultural, horticultural, and ornamental and vegetables at any stage of the
crop.
It will reduce the requirement of more land for disposal of fruits and
vegetable wastes in near future.
It helps to create better environments, thus reduce ecological risk.

CHANCES FOR IMPROVEMENT

The production of agro waste in market area from various sectors such as
vegetables market, fruit market and onion market is about 1.5 metric tonn per
day. The agro waste contained about 95 to 96 % of biodegradable waste only 5
to 6 % is non biodegradable wastes.
Improvements in present vermicomposting process: There should be provision effective collection and transportation of
agro waste at the site from various sectors to vermicompost site. This will
reduce the cost.
The labour should be trained for the effective segregation of agro
waste. The non biodegradable waste should be removed before
vermicomposting process.
They should followed the standard process to maintain all parameters
such as temperature, moisture, humidity at optimum condition for better
availability of nutrients after vermicomposting process.
Vermicomposting unit should have facilities such as outlets of
vermiwash and the possible to collect the vermiwash periodically.
The above improvements are essential for vermicomposting that will help
to farmers and society.

Posted 20th May 2012 by tushar hole

0

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1.
MAY

20

project on vermicomposting method

VERMICOMPOSTING: THE BEST METHOD OF FURTILIZATION

INTRODUCTION:
It is estimated that in India nearly 700 million tonnes of organic
waste are generated annually which is either burned or land filled.
The large amount of the agro waste generated from the market area
created the major environmental problems.
Vermicomposting is the best biotechnology to reduce the load on the
treatment and disposal of biodegradable agro waste.
In the present investigation, the study is carried out on the proper
utilization of agriculture waste from market yard through vermicomposting and
obtaining the nutrient rich organic manure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In market yard, large amount of agro waste (biodegradable) are
available such as-Sorghum and jowar straw (after feeding cattle), dry leaves of
crops and trees, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) stalks, groundnut (Arachis
hypogaea) husk, soybean (Glycine max) residues, vegetable wastes, weed
(Parthenium), fibre from coconut (Cocos nucifera) and sugarcane (Saccharum
officinarum) trashand waste generated from the onion (Allium cepa) market.
1.Selection of earthworm species for vermicomposting process:
For composting we selected the African species of earthworms
i.e. Eisenia fetida (Photo plate1) and Eudrilus eugenae (Photo no. 2) which are
efficient to maintain vermicomposting process in India.
Eisenia fetida has a wide range of temperature tolerance and has
very high reproductive potential. It is less sensitive to density pressure

& Eudrilus eugeniae is found to be a very efficient species for culture

maintenance in India.

Photo no.-1.Earthworms (Eisenia Fetida) used as culture for decomposition

Photo no.-2 Earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) Used as Culture for

decomposition

2. Methodology used for vermicomposting:

The agro waste was collected from market area with the help of labours and
transported at the vermicompost project site by local vehicles.

Photo no-3: Construction of vermicomposting production

unit at the production site.

3.Initial steps for vermicomposting: Agro waste from market area transported at the vermicompost
project site. The waste is then segregated as biodegradable and nonbiodegradable.
Biodegradable agro waste material is cut into small pieces by
means of cutter machine (Photo no.-3).
The biodegradable agro waste is allowed to its partial
decomposition for 10 to15 days for achieving better activity of earthworm and
nutrient enriched vermicompost production (Photo no.-4).
Partially decomposed agro waste material is arranged in layers at
the vermicompost project site.

Photo no.-3. Cutter machine used to cut agro waste

Photo no.-4. Pre-Digestion of the agro waste with cow dung slurry

4. Manufacturing process: Preparation method of vermicompost bed:

6 layer of partially biodegradable agro waste at the bottom of bed.1 layer
of cow dung slurry is applied on it to further decomposing of the agro waste for
15 to 20 days. After partial decomposition, cow dung slurry is covered by the 4
layer of Farm Yard Manure .Then sprinkle bacterial culture of PSB bacteria
having CFU minimum 5x107 Cell/g on it. We were selected earthworm species
(Photo no. 2 & 3) through the cracks developed.

Physico- chemical analysis of vermicompost:

The matured vermicompost samples were collected from each
vermicompost bed about 500 gm and kept in the polythene bag which is free
from adventitious contaminations. Each sample bags were labelled and sealed
air
tightly.

The object
of study is to analyse the physico- chemical characteristics of matured
vermicompost by standard methods as per the Fertiliser (Control) Order 1985.
Physical Parameters of vermicompost1. Particle size- Particle size of sample was 94.87% which passed through the
4.0 mm IS sieve.
2. Colour- The colour of vermicompost samples collected from the set (1) and
set (2) were black.
3. Odour- The foul odour were absent in vermicompost samples collected from
set (1) and set (2).
4. Bulk density (g/cm3) The bulk density ranged from the 0.8 to o.9.
5. Moisture percent by weight 23
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
Table No 1: Physico-chemical Characteristics of vermicompost set No.1.
(Bed No.1, 2 and 3 and their average).
Sr.No. Parameters
Bed no.1 Bed no.2 Bed no.3 Average
value in %
A
Physical Characteristics
1
Colour (dark brown toBlack
Black
Black
Black
black)
2
Odour
No Odour No Odour No
No Odour
Odour
3
Particle size (4 mm IS93.70
94.10
94.70
94.16
Sieve)
4
Moisture
20.50
22.80
19.50
20.94
5

Bulk Density(g/cm3)

0.88

0.89

0.90

0.89

B
1
2

Chemical Characteristics
pH
6.9
Conductivity(ms cm-1)
3.50

7.0
3.45

6.9
3.37

6.93
3.44

3
4
5
6

Organic Carbon
Total Nitrogen
C/N ratio
Total Phosphorus (P2O5)

19.4
0.9
21.55
20.6

20.2
1.0
20.2
20.5

19.37
0.95
20.40

18.5
0.95
19.47
20.5

20.5

Potassium (K2O)

0.7

0.9

0.8

8
9

Calcium
Magnesium

5.4
0.2

5.9
0.3

5.7
0.25

Colour (dark brown toBlack

Black
Black
Black
black)
Odour
No Odour No Odour No Odour No Odour

5.67

0.25
10
Sulphur
0.4
0.5
0.45
0.45
All parameter values are presented in percentage (%); except the
electrical conductivity, pH and bulk density.
Table No 2: Physico-chemical Characteristics of vermicompost set No.2.
( Bed No.1, 2 and 3 and their average).
Sr.No Parameters
Bed no.1 Bed no.2 Bed no.3 Average
value in %
A
Physical Characteristics

2
3

0.8

4
5

Particle size (4 mm IS94.87

Sieve)
Moisture
24.30
3
Bulk Density(g/cm )
0.88

94.10

93.97

94.31

22.80
0.87

23.50
0.90

23.53
0.88

Chemical Characteristics

1
2

pH
Conductivity(ms cm-1)

6.8
3.27

7.1
3.57

6.9
3.45

6.94
3.43

3
4
5
6

Organic Carbon
Total Nitrogen
C/N ratio
Total Phosphorus (P2O5)

23.0
0.95
24.21
17.7

21.2
0.9
23.55
17.8

20.50
0.98
20.91
17.8

21.56
0.94
22.89

Potassium (K2O)

0.75

0.82

0.89

8
9

Calcium
Magnesium

5.7
0.3

5.8
0.28

5.4
0.25

0.82
5.64

10

Sulphur

0.4

0.45

0.5

17.8

0.27

0.45
All parameter values are presented in percentage (%); except the
electrical conductivity, pH and bulk density.
Chart No.1.Represented the average values of parameters from set 1 and set2 and Total
average of both.

DISCUSSION
Physico-chemical characteristics of vermicompost produced Colour:

Dark black colour of vermicompost indicated that the decomposition of

agro waste successfully.

Odour: Absence of foul odour indicated that all parameters required for
composting process were present in optimum condition.
Bulk density: It is observed that bulk density of the soil increased. It is
indicates that vermicompost increased the porosity and bulk density of soil
improve the avaibility of nutrients to crop growth.
Moisture content: vermicompost addition caused a significant increase
of moisture content due to the more porosity addition to the soil.
Particle Size/porosity: The total porosity was improved by the use of
vermicompost. Greater porosity in the soil treated with vermicompost was due
to an increase in the amount of pores.
pH and Conductivity: The pH range between 6.93 which promotes the
availability of plant nutrients like NPK, so vermicompost should be applied in
soil. It is indicates that vermicompost improves the pH of soil and make
available the nutrient for the crop yield.
Organic Carbon: The deficiency in organic carbon reduces the storage
capacity of soil nutrients and reduction in soil fertility. The incorporation of
vermicompost with farm yard manure has been shown to increase
organic carbon content in the soil. In present study organic carbon increased up
to 20.46% indicating it is beneficial for growth and productivity of crops.
Nitrogen: The availability of Nitrogen was also increased. Indicating
vermicompost may attribute the significant increase in nitrogen of the soil by
using vermiwash and vermicompost due to the presence of nitrogen fixing
bacteria, which increase the nitrogen content of the soil.
Total Phosphorus (as P2O5): In present investigation that the
vermicompost shows the 19.15% phosphorus as P2O5 in worms vermicast
which suggested that the passage of organic matter through the gut of worm
results in phosphorus (P) converted to forms which are more bio-available to
plants.
Total Potassium: The total average of potassium (K2O) was 0.81% in
vermicompost. Indicating nutrients N & P and the intestinal mucus excreted by
worms are further used by the microbes for multiplication and vigorous soil
remediation and fertility improvement action.
Note: Above result tables &discussion is not standard. It depends on tests. It
should be different according to environmental conditions.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:
Vermicomposting appears to be the most promising as high value biofertilizer which is not only increases the plant growth and productivity by
nutrient supply but also is cost effective and pollution free. Use of
vermicompost promotes soil aggregation and stabilizes soil structure. This
improves the air- water relationship of soil, thus increasing the water retention
capacity and encourages extensive development of root system of plants. The
mineralization of nutrients is observed to be enhanced, therefore results into
boosting up of crop productivity.

Vermicompost produced from the farm wastes is not only having

beneficial effects on soil health and growth, quality and yield of crop but also
playing vital role in eradication of pollution hazards.
It helped to reduce volume of agro waste and to generate
additional revenue.
The Problem of disposing the agro waste may be solved by
constructing such the vermicomposting production unit.
The agro waste converted in vermicompost which will earn
economic benefits.
No hazardous effluents are generated from a compost production
unit using agro wastes.
There are no pesticide residues, weed seeds, heavy metals, sand,
termite or wax, plant root diseases, etc. Vermicompost can be used for all crops
agricultural, horticultural, and ornamental and vegetables at any stage of the
crop.
It will reduce the requirement of more land for disposal of fruits
and vegetable wastes in near future.
It helps to create better environments, thus reduce ecological risk.
CHANCES FOR IMPROVEMENT
The production of agro waste in market area from various sectors such as
vegetables market, fruit market and onion market is about 1.5 metric tonn per
day. The agro waste contained about 95 to 96 % of biodegradable waste only 5
to 6 % is non biodegradable wastes.
Improvements in present vermicomposting process:-

There should be provision effective collection and

transportation of agro waste at the site from various sectors to vermicompost
site. This will reduce the cost.
The labour should be trained for the effective segregation of
agro waste. The non biodegradable waste should be removed before
vermicomposting process.
They should followed the standard process to maintain all
parameters such as temperature, moisture, humidity at optimum condition for
better availability of nutrients after vermicomposting process.
Vermicomposting unit should have facilities such as outlets of
vermiwash and the possible to collect the vermiwash periodically.
The above improvements are essential for vermicomposting that will help
to farmers and society.

Posted 20th May 2012 by tushar hole

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How to Prepare Vermicompost

Composting is an excellent option for reducing your environmental impact and
preparing a natural, beneficial soil additive. However, many people who live in an
apartment or condominium don't have access to an outdoor space where they can
manage a traditional compost heap. There is, however, an alternative that allows for
an indoor composting operation with minimal space considerations: composting with
worms. This type of composting, called vermicompost, is a matter of building a worm
bin, filling it with bedding, and simply discarding your food scraps into the bin for the

worms to break down. By following the steps below, you can quickly learn how to
prepare vermicompost.

Steps

1. 1
Build or purchase a worm bin. The worm bin is the enclosure in which the worms
will live; it holds in the bedding and food scraps, regulates the amount of moisture in
the bedding, and blocks light (which is harmful to worms). Many gardening or organic
supply stores sell pre-assembled worm bins, but it is cheap and easy to improvise
one as well.
Your worm bin can consist of a large plastic storage bin with a lid. The

bin should be opaque to block light, and only about a foot (30 cm) deep, as worms
prefer to live just under the soil's surface. A typical family of 2 will need a bin with 4
square feet (.37 sq. m) of surface area; a family of 4 will need 8 square feet (.74 sq.
m) of surface area.
Drill several small holes in the sides of the bin for air flow. The worms

won't leave through these holes because of their aversion to light, but you can cover
the holes with wire screen or mesh if desired.
Ad

2
Purchase worms for your vermicompost bin. The best types of worms to use in a
vermicomposting operation are red wigglers (scientific name Eisenia Foetida). The
earthworms that are typically found in outdoor soil don't break down materials
aggressively enough for indoor composting. The worms can be ordered from any
number of organic gardening stores; they will come shipped in a mass of peat. Order
a pound (.45 kg) of worms to begin your bin. They will reproduce quickly.

Prepare the worm bedding. The bedding is the material that the worms will live in. It
can be made from any carbon-rich organic matter (such as paper or cardboard), but
newspaper works the best. Tear the newspaper into long, 1 inch (25 mm) wide strips.
You will need enough to fill the bin when packed loosely.

Moisten the bedding. Worms can only live in a moist environment, so you need to
make sure the bedding is sufficiently moist. Begin by placing the newspaper strips
into the worm bin. Pour in some water directly from your sink tap (bottled,
dechlorinated water is better for the worms if available), and work it into the
newspaper with your hands. When finished, the bedding should feel like a wrung-out
sponge - if you squeeze it in your hands, no more than a drop or 2 of water should fall
out.

5
Add a handful of soil to the bedding. In addition to the bedding, add a handful of
soil from outdoors. The soil provides "grit" for the worms, which helps them digest
your food scraps. It also introduces microorganisms into the worm bin that aid in
decomposition.

Add the worms to the vermicompost bin. Add the worms by scattering them onto
the bedding. Close the lid to block any light. Give the worms about a day without
adding food scraps to work their way into the bedding.

7
Add food scraps to the bin. To begin composting, simply toss your food scraps into
the worm bin and then reseal the lid. It helps to bury the scraps under a bit of bedding
to prevent fruit flies from appearing. At first, you want to avoid overwhelming your
worms with scraps. As time progresses, you can add more and more scraps.

8
Remove the worms when the compost is done. As the worms digest your food
scraps, they produce what are called "castings." These castings, which look like dark
black threads, make up your completed vermicompost. When plenty of castings are
present, you are ready to harvest the vermicompost. Remove your worms either by
hand, or by removing the bedding a bit at a time and letting the worms all move to the
bottom of the bin in a clump to escape the light.

9
Harvest the vermicompost. After removing the worms, you can remove the
completed compost and store it for later use. Don't worry if there is a bit of undigested
bedding left in the compost, as it will break down fairly quickly.

10

Replace the bedding and re-introduce the worms. As the worms will have
digested much of the bedding, it's best to provide them with fresh bedding after
harvesting the compost. Prepare the bin as before, and repeat the process.
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Tips
Cut large food scraps into manageable pieces to increase the amount of

surface area available to the worms.

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Warnings
Do not add fats or grease to the worm bin. Worms breathe through their skin,

and they will die if their skins become coated in fat.

Things You'll Need

Plastic storage bin

Drill

Wire mesh (optional)

Red wiggler worms

Newspaper

Water

Soil

Food scraps

Related wikiHows

How

to

Make a Worm Bed

Sources and Citations

http://www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/pdf/vermicompost-01-08-

09.pdf

Article Info
Categories: Ecology and Conservation

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