Vermicompost or worm compost has been widely appreciated for being nutrient-rich, effective manure. Worm compost has surpassed synthetic fertilizers in terms of several properties. Vermicompost is produced by earthworms by the decomposition of waste materials, like kitchen wastes, leaves, twigs, cattle dung and the likes. Worms play the key role in the development of vermicompost. So, it is important to choose the right worms as all species of worms are not suitable for making vermicompost.
Red wiggler as the right earthworm:
The ordinary earthworms are not fit for making quality vermicompost. Vermicompost can be developed best with the help of Red Wiggler worms, also called Eisenia Foetida. The red wigglers are the best choice if you wish to get an effective fertilizer for your crops.
Red Wiggler has certain characteristics that make it highly capable of carrying out vermicomposting process in India. This worm species can double their number very fast. They can produce a large amount of vermicast. These worms do not need a lot for survival. They need only organic matter for survival. Research shows that these earthworms can burrow only 12” in the soil, which makes them ideal for development of compost. Moreover, these worms have a huge capacity of eating wastes as their weight equals their weight.
Looking after your worms:
Red Wigglers have a lot of flexibility. You would not have any difficulty in handling them. They require only things that are required usually by living organisms. These things include adequate aeration, the right house and proper food.
The house used for keeping earthworms in the vermicomposting process is called worm bin. This is the space where the entire process of worm composting occurs. However, the worm bin is incomplete without bedding. The bedding is required to provide comfort to the worms. Use materials like card boards, dried leaves, grass clipping and shredded newspaper for making the bedding. These things are usually thrown away from homes, but now you can use them for making compost. The bedding needs regular replacement.
Ensure that the worms are provided proper food. Do not offer them food more than the quantity they can consume as they might die because of that. Hence, provide them the correct food amount. Their food dies not need to be purchased from the market. All their food is available in your kitchen itself. Their stomach can be satisfied with simple materials like tea bags, fruit peeling, vegetables and other organic materials. However, some restrictions are also there. Do not provide them foods like dairy products or animal bones.
Aeration is also an essential need of earthworms. Treat your worms well. Do not keep them in places, which might harm them. Too much rain and too much sunlight can have extreme adverse effects on the worms and can ruin the vermicomposting process completely. Red Wigglers are not productive in temperatures involved in extreme sunlight or rain. However, these worms are dependable when they are provided the right aeration. Place the worm bin in a temperature falling in the range of 60 to 80 degree F. this temperature range keeps the worms comfortable.
In this temperature, accompanied with right aeration, food and house, the worms would efficiently perform the vermicomposting process in India. The resultant worm compost not only promotes crop growth, but also improves soil quality.