What good are earthworms, you say? They play so much of a role than you can even imagine. Earthworms play a major part in breaking down organic waste and forming compost from regular household wastes. There are a certain species of earthworm called composting worms which specifically serve this one purpose. A worm casting is the name given to the end product formed by the organic breakdown of matter by these worms.
Worm castings, also called worm manure or worm humus, are used as a soil fertilizer. They nourish the soil and improve the conditions for plant growth. Since worm castings are used as an organic fertilizer, they are rich in water soluble nutrients. This, invariably, makes it easier for the plants to absorb the nutrient. The earthworms grind and mix the minerals to their simplest forms.
Composting can be practised either at a large scale as they do in land farms or at a small scale as applies to households and small gardens. Compost bins must be made of a recyclable plastic material. Metal bins must be avoided as they tend to create hostile environments for the worms to manifest on the compost. As the organic matter travels through the earthworms, they tend to excrete as well and this forms a thin layer on the castings. This layers breaks down after about a period of two-three months. This only ensures that the nutrients are released slowly and this is a very beneficial quality. The cocoons present in the castings hatch after a few days or weeks and this ensures the presence of young worms that will continue the process of decomposition. For this very reason, the compost should be maintained at a cool and damp state, rich enough to keep the living matter alive. Worm castings have a lot of microbial activity going on.
Unlike some kinds of compost or fertilizer, worm castings do not burn plants. Hence, they can be used as much as you please.
Worm castings can also be harvested. It is a fun and easy process. This process of harvesting is called ‘vermicomposting’. There are different kinds of species used specifically for harvesting. They include the Red Wigglers and the European Night crawlers. The worms should be in bedding from the time you start. Raised beds are more preferable since they do not disturb the worms and give best results. These compost worms can be fed any kind of organic material. The commercial vermicomposters or organic composters will eat just about everything that goes into making regular compost – the greens and the browns including grass clippings, leaves, wood chips, manure, fruit or vegetable wastes, tea bags, filters, coffee ground etc.
Benefits of worm castings
- Worm castings reduce bio waste and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- They purify the soil, extracting harmful disease causing fungi and bacteria.
- They increase soil fertility along with the water retaining capability, ensuring a reduction in soil erosion.
- Use worm castings in moderation but mix it with the soil and you will immediately see better results with your yield.
Worm castings are a surprisingly good natural product. So go ahead and put those earthworms to good use!
