Who would have thought that earthworms could be the heroes of our rubbish? Vermicomposting: when expired food becomes black gold! Earthworm composting is not only an environmentally friendly solution to reduce waste, but also a way to improve soil health and promote sustainability.
Principles of vermicomposting
Vermicomposting process begins with earthworms ingesting organic material, such as food remains and leaves. Within their digestive system, the material is fragmented and enriched with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. The end result is a nutritious compost called vermicompost.
Eisenia fetida, known as the Californian red earthworm, is the main player in this environment, thanks to its ability to decompose organic waste and reproduce rapidly. This animal consumes its own body weight in food every day, transforming its waste into nutrient-rich humus, useful for both soil and agriculture.
Optimal conditions for the life of these annelids are temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, humidity between 70% and 80%, and a pH between 6 and 8.
The end result, high-quality compost, is the result of the collaboration between earthworms, bacteria and fungi.
Bacteria, such as those of the genus Bacillus and Pseudomonas, and fungi, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium, help to further decompose organic matter, making the process more efficient and faster.
Environmental and agricultural benefits
We are talking about an environmentally friendly practice that reduces organic waste going to landfills and greenhouse gases such as methane.
Vermicompost, which is rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, is easily assimilated by plants, and its presence improves soil quality, promoting plant growth and increasing biodiversity.
The presence of humus in vermicompost makes the soil friable and porous, improves rootaeration and water drainage, and reduces stagnation and plant diseases.
In addition, the soil’s ability to retain moisture is increased, reducing the consumption of water resources.
Vermicomposting is effective in the treatment of various domestic and industrial wastes, such as sewage sludge, municipal solid waste, organic waste from agro-food industries (such as brewery waste, olive oil waste, etc.), poultry manure and dung from pigs, cattle, sheep, horses and rabbits, as well as waste from mushroom farms.
Farms then transform crop residues and manure into nutrient-rich compost, improving soil fertility, reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers, and saving on waste disposal.
Food and catering companies, on the other hand, use this practice to manage production waste.
Vermicomposting, applications and developments
Large-scale lombricomposting is becoming a sustainable solution for the management of organic waste in agricultural and farm settings.
Although this approach is environmentally friendly and sustainable, it presents some challenges such as pest management. Fruit flies, mites and ants can infest the material.
To manage them, it is necessary to maintain a balance of humidity and aeration, avoid food that is too acidic or fatty and cover the waste with litter.
The use of advanced wormers with integrated ventilation and humidity control systems maintain optimal conditions and reduce pests.
Remote monitoring technologies allow real-time control of environmental parameters.
In addition, natural biostimulants and organic additives can improve the effectiveness of worming, accelerate the decomposition process and reduce pests.
Vermicomposting is an environmentally friendly and easy method of obtaining natural fertiliser at home.
Just get a container with ventilation, insert earthworms, prepare a bedding with materials such as torn newspapers and add fruit and vegetable scraps.
Keep the container moist and aerated, and in no time you will have a natural fertiliser ready for gardens and vegetable gardens!
Play for the planet!