Sustainable Agriculture

(Agri 107)

CHAPTER III. SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES (Soil Related)

Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is the process of producing

organic fertilizer (vermicompost) from
biodegradable materials through the action of
earthworms (Fig. 1). It is an environmental-
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 (Fig. Fig. 1 Vermicomposting
2). 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 o f material in farms,

vermicomposting can help protect the
environment, promote and sustain soil
productivity and generate livelihood Fig. 2 Vermicompost
opportunities for rural families.

Steps in Vermicomposting

1. Preparation of substrate

a. Collect banana leaves and stalks trashes and animal manures i.e. chicken dung,
carabao/cow manure (Fig. 3).

b. Chop leaves and stalks finely. Chopping help speed up decomposition by increasing the
surface area available for microbial action and providing better aeration (Fig. 4).

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 source of nitrogen (Fig. 5).

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Fig. 3 Collect banana leaves Fig. 4 Chopping and decomposition of Fig. 5 Mixed substrate
substrate

2. Pre-composting activities

Pile the substrate in a bed measuring 1 x 5 meters or larger with wooden or concrete sidings
(Fig. 6 & 7). 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.

Fig. 6 Wooden bed Fig. 7 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 (Fig. 8) to maintain the moisture content of the pile (at least
60%). Gunny bags/polythene may be used to preserve the moisture.

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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.

c. Bed should be turned once after 30 days for maintaining aeration and for proper
decomposition (Fig. 9)

Fig. 8 Watering the vermicompost unit Fig. 9 Turning the compost material

5. Harvesting

a. Harvest the castings at 30-40 days after stocking of earthworms. At this time 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

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 (Fig. 10 & 11). For
commercial production, air dry the vermicompost before packing and storing.

Fig. 10 Harvesting for small scale vermicomposting Fig. 11 Harvesting for large scale vermicompost

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Vermimeal Production

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.

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CSU-CAA Supplemental Lecture Notes | Agri 107, Rev. 0, 06-01-20