WORM CASTINGS
Vermicompost is the product of the decomposition process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. This process is called vermicomposting, with the rearing of worms for this purpose is called vermiculture.
Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm poop, worm manure, or worm faeces) is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms. These excreta have been shown to contain reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the organic materials before vermicomposting.
Vermicompost contains water-soluble nutrients and is an excellent, nutrient-rich soil conditioner.
Vermicast (also called worm castings, worm humus, worm poop, worm manure, or worm faeces) is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms. These excreta have been shown to contain reduced levels of contaminants and a higher saturation of nutrients than the organic materials before vermicomposting.
Vermicompost contains water-soluble nutrients and is an excellent, nutrient-rich soil conditioner.
Suitable worm species
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All worms make compost but some species are not suitable for this purpose.
Vermicompost worms are generally epigean.
Species most often used include:
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Eisenia fetida (Europe), the red wiggler or tiger worm.
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Eisenia andrei, closely related to fetida
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Eisenia hortensis (Europe), European nightcrawlers, prefers high C:N material.
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Eudrilus eugeniae (West Africa), African Nightcrawlers.
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Perionyx excavatus (South and East Asia), blueworms.
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Lampito mauritii (Southern Asia)
These species commonly are found in organic-rich soils throughout Europe and North America and live in rotting vegetation, compost, and manure piles. As they are shallow-dwelling and feed on decomposing plant matter in the soil, they adapt easily to live on food or plant waste in the confines of a worm bin. Some species are considered invasive in some areas, so they should be avoided.
